WT Stead, Mrs Jeffries, and the 'myth' of Aristocratic Seduction
Claire Cunnington
University of Sheffield
Claire Cunnington is a Wellcome Trust funded PhD student in the Department of Sociological Studies, University of Sheffield and also a survivor of CSA. Her PhD title is “From Victim to Survivor: What actions do survivors take to redefine their identity when recovering from Child Sexual Abuse?” This research takes a holistic approach to recovery from child sexual abuse and places victims/survivors at the centre. Using a salutogenic approach it will involve a qualitative survey and interviews with adult survivors further through their recovery journey to identify how they conceptualise recovery as well as useful actions they have taken to improve their health and wellbeing. As CSA inherently means a lack of agency the research will employ an overarching theme of moving from 'passive' victim to 'active' survivor. This historic research into Victorian cases of CSA is part of the literature review for the PhD.
Abstract
Continuing high profile cases in the UK have once again raised questions about the ability of various authorities to protect children from sexual abuse. However, these current cases are not the first accusations of... [ view full abstract ]
Continuing high profile cases in the UK have once again raised questions about the ability of various authorities to protect children from sexual abuse. However, these current cases are not the first accusations of corruption and abuse within the arenas of power. In 1885 WT Stead published the ‘Maiden Tribute of Modern Babylon’, aiming to ensure that parliament passed the Criminal Law Amendment Bill and protect women and minors from sexual exploitation by the rich. No longer, Stead (1885) argued, should ‘the daughters of the people...[be]..served up as dainty morsels to minister to the passions of the rich.' However, Stead’s proclamations are now largely regarded as a part of a wider ‘myth of aristocratic seduction’ and not reflecting the real epidemiology of child abuse during the Victorian era (Jackson, 2000, p.46; see also Gorham 1978; Walkowitz 1980; Walkowitz 2010).
This paper will seek to further develop this debate by examining the role of a key, but often under-developed figure in the narrative: a madam by the name of Mrs Jeffries. Drawing on a range of archival data including the census, Hansard, and newspaper sources, the paper will explore how the scandal around Mrs Jeffries’ ‘brothels for the nobility’ helped to provide the context for WT Stead to articulate his concerns. Whilst the melodramatic portrayals of shadowy aristocratic seducers and innocent virgins within the Maiden Tribute may not reflect the majority of cases of child abuse in Victorian England, the focus on aristocratic abuse may have actually had a more defined purpose than mere titillation. Indeed, there is some evidence that it was a thinly veiled threat to expose the complicity of Members of Parliament in child abuse, and a calculated attempt to force a recalcitrant government to pass the Bill.
Authors
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Claire Cunnington
(University of Sheffield)
Topic Area
Other
Session
Oral 37 » Session 1- Emerging Issues (09:00 - Wednesday, 4th October, North America Room)
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