A charity that helps victims of sexual abuse has had to take on more volunteers to cope with a huge influx of calls following the Jimmy Savile revelations.

Family Matters, in Gravesend, has seen a more than 50% increase in people contacting them since claims around the late presenter were revealed in a TV documentary.

Manager Danielle Gates said: "We've received over 100 calls this month that have been caused, even if indirectly, by the Jimmy Savile crisis coming out.

"Although it varies hugely, we'd normal receive 60 calls at the very most, so this really is over and above what we'd normally receive."

The Wrotham Road-based charity was founded in 1990 and is the largest provider of childhood sexual abuse and rape therapy in the country.

They deal with around 4,000 people every year in Kent and have expanded to also cover Surrey and parts of south east London.

Miss Gates, pictured below, added: "I wish I could say I was surprised by the extent of the amount of victims coming forward, but we have seen cases like this before.

"People will come forward after such huge exposés of sexual abuse, and it's really important people continue to do so.

"Take courage from all the people who've come forward so far and if you've been affected by sexual abuse, whether it's historic or recent, there's still time and opportunity to come forward."

Family Matters manager Danielle Gates

Astonishingly, Family Matters estimates one in four men and women are affected by sexual violence. It says as many as one in eight young boys and one in four young girls are also victims.

Volunteers at the centre are specially trained to deal with calls from people who are concerned about sexual abuse.

Among the women to come forward claiming they were victims of Savile is Dartford mother Deborah Cogger.

The 52-year-old, who runs a mobile cafe in Northfleet, says she was molested by the flamboyant DJ when she she met him at a children's home.

Deborah Cogger is among those to claim she was abused by Jimmy Savile

Miss Gates believes it is important victims eventually speak out.

She added: "Sexual abuse and the legacy it creates is nothing that can be swept under the carpet.

"You may think that you can block it out for a time and you may even be effective at doing so, but eventually you will have to deal with it.

"It's so important to come out so you've got the proper help and support that is out there."

For help and support, phone the Family Matters helpline on 01474 537 392.