How Do I Go About Reporting Sexual Abuse By My Teacher?

[Abstract]

I think speaking to ones parents is an individual and complex issue and we certainly don't have to or need to do so. Good for you and good luck.

 

[blackemerald1]

Hi Laura, yes there are victim support and victim rights groups all around Australia. Your Counsellor should be able to help you there.

My issue with you telling your parents is that this is a very significant process you are about to undergo and it may well be that the Police would like to contact your parents for reasons that I cannot really speculate about, but there could be reasons related to the investigation. Far better it come from you in them finding out than from the Police in the first instance. I know you love your parents and do not want to cause them distress, but they certainly will be distressed if they find out from someone they know or the Police and you have not told them. At least you can explain to them, allow them the time to be shocked and upset, as any good parent would be and allow them the opportunity to comfort you and stand by you. Anyway I will leave that for you to decide.

I am glad you have someone you trust to go with you to the Police Station.

Try not to be too negative about a successful prosecution of the perpetrator. As I said in my last Post, physical evidence is not the "be all". You come across as a very thoughtful and balanced person in your Posts. An allegation of this nature is very serious and will not be fobbed off to the Junior Constable at the reception desk. He should immediately call his superior officer, who then should call the appropriate squad or department who deal in these kinds of crime.

Many predators are jailed for considerable periods based solely on the credible evidence of a witness/victim. There is a sex offenders register and all kinds of conditions imposed on convicted sex offenders, one of the obvious ones is, not to live or have any contact with children etc., They must register everywhere they live and are constantly monitored by both the Police and the Corrections department in that State or Territory.

Laura you do not know if your perpetrator has a computer full of explicit child porn, or is also into chat room "grooming' or any number of other activities that he could get busted on when the Police are ready to 'visit' him.

I am not saying there is no chance he will get off, but if the right Police are involved they will do a lot of investigating before they swoop. Who knows, they may investigate for months and catch a whole ring of pedophiles or they may just investigate what you can tell them. Just recently a very prestigious private school got busted for a ring of pedophiles working in it and I can assure you the children involved only had their statements to rely on. Pedophiles think they know how to get around the law, but the law is very strong in this area and as long as you tell the cold hard facts, then you can walk away knowing you did your bit for yourself and for other children. So do not be too negative about it.

Also, after they have charged this perpetrator, the next stage is being a witness in the prosecution of the accused. That will be a big thing as he will be viewed as innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. That is a whole other kettle of fish, but first and most importantly be brave and calm and consider what you are going to do next.

Go well,
blackemerald1

 

[HëllaBubz]

Police would like to contact your parents for reasons that I cannot really speculate about, but there could be reasons related to the investigation. Far better it come from you in them finding out than from the Police in the first instance.

Since Laura is over 18, if she requests that the police do not speak to her parents, then they will not. They will only contact parents/guardians if the victim is under 18.

Maybe someday I will, but in the here and now I don't think I can.

Perhaps we should just support her in going to the people that she trusts right now, as she has already indicated she isn't comfortable talking to her parents. I understand where you are coming from, however perhaps leaving it for now is a good idea. Only Laura knows her family, so we must trust her instincts and wishes.

 

[blackemerald1]

To TheBubzlle, I did say at the end of the paragraph relating to Laura telling her parents "Anyway I will leave that for you to decide".

I am not pressuring anyone to tell anyone anything but Laura did say her parents suffered when they learned of the rape? So, I wanted her to know that it is a big decision to leave her parents out of the situation and as a parent if my 19 year old daughter came to me and told me what had happened, yes I would be upset....probably mostly at myself for not seeing signs or being more careful or really checking out what was going on. But, I also know I would want Justice in a BIG way for my daughter or son and if she wanted me to help her/him I would be there in anyway I could be. Laura was 15 during the period she is wanting to report, therefore the Police may have questions for her parents and other parents of students. Things like corroboration she knew or saw or went to the perpetrators place or money spent on lessons for the teacher. (Reporting the teacher puts him in a very high category of the criminal code because he is a person who is considered to be beyond reproach in regard to society, a person who has POWER over his victim etc.,)

I also agree with Anthony about getting to the Police sooner than later.

But sorry Anthony, if she can identify her attacker from age 13....there does not need to be DNA evidence, rapes 30 years and older have been successfully prosecuted. Yes it would be a "he said, she said" scenario, but who is to know if this creep has done it before or after that particular attack on Laura and has a record for rape? Evidence of prior offending can, in certain legal situations be brought before a Court to substantiate the Crown's case. I do not mean to offend anyone but the Catholic Church is a recent example of where victims from decades ago, are giving credible and admissible evidence where there is no DNA or witnesses but somebody always knew and did nothing. Essentially the offenders are slowly being picked off one by one and I think the Police Officer who "blew the whistle" on certain individuals should be commended for ever.

Anyway I will say it again Laura, do what you can, it is you who must decide these decisions and must live with it and you are right TheBudzlla "only Laura knows her family so we must trust her instincts and wishes." Whatever you choose to do, I support you along with everyone else here.

 

[Lesmall]

Hi everyone

I wanted to let all you wonderful people who have offered me advice and support know what's going on. I went to the police and spent two full days making as detailed a statement as possible. After that was all finalised they sent it off to the relevant police department, so now it is just a waiting game.

I decided after much deliberation to tell me parents about what's been happening. I had the full support of my counsellor for that and told my parents. They were shocked, a little angry, and a little hurt; but I think eventually it will all be ok.

Thanks so much to every single one of you for your advice, experience, and support. It has been invaluable and I cannot possibly ever express my gratitude.

Love to all <3

Laura x

 

[Abstract]

So very impressed with your courage Laura. Thank you for your sake and others who it may help in the future. I am glad you have both your parents and your counsellors support.

Keep us posted.

 

[blackemerald1]

Well done Laura, you are a champion! You have started a process for yourself and for all those unknown children out there who will maybe come forward now and or, never have to deal with these evil men in their lives. You have done something really good.Thank you! These creeps are best behind bars where they will get a 'special' kind of welcome! I hope this also helps with your parents too. Two days of making a statement is a testament to your courage. Good luck and please let us know if you feel like it.

Kind
regards
blackemerald1

 

[Lesmall]

Hi everyone. It's been a while and I realized that I owed it to every single one of you to update you on what's happened. They said that even with my statement there was insufficient evidence to prosecute. That was really difficult for me. But I think there's been some kind of internal inquiry by the board of education. I did all I could, and in this case it wasn't enough. But at least I know that I have tried my very hardest to never let this happen again.

Thank you all for your support <3

 

[Lucycat]

there was insufficient evidence to prosecute. That was really difficult for me.

I understand - but if he does it again your evidence will be added to somebody else's....
It will have been very difficult for you - but I really think you have done the right thing. Well done!