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Allegations
of Sexual Abuse |
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In the Hamilton
District Court this week, a jury of nine women and three men found John
Timothy Edgar not guilty of eight charges of indecency. It had been alleged
that he had indecently assaulted children while he was a teacher at On his acquittal, Dr
Edgar was elated but bitter. His first pronouncement, minutes after the
verdicts were read out, was a warning to other male teachers or men
considering teaching as a career. He said the profession was now too risky
for males because it left them open to allegations
that could ruin their careers -- and lives. If a male teacher touched a child
in any way, it could be misconstrued or used by children as a way of seeking
revenge. He said. "I hope that one day they (the children) realise what
they have done was wrong and own up to it. I don't think they can be confused
about what they did." It would be unfortunate
if men took his advice and steered clear of the profession. There are
precious few of them already. The balance of male and female role models in
schools is essential. Some men say they are already aware there are risks
involved and have been put off by them. But other male teachers are relaxed.
They say as long as they avoid situations that may be compromising, there is
no greater risk for them than women. They are supported by schools who have good rules and guidelines about appropriate
behaviour. This country's views on
children's sex allegations have shifted hugely in the past two decades. The
old view in schools was to back up teachers and cover up the claims of children.
The results of that practice are showing up in cases now before the courts
where teachers like Lloyd Brown have been found guilty of sex charges dating
back over many years. The Peter Ellis case in
1993, however, in which a childcare worker was accused of bizarre sexual
practices, sent a nervous shudder through the land. In that case, a single
comment from a young boy triggered a torrent of allegations and hysteria.
Ellis is in prison even though increasing numbers believe he, too, is
innocent. Child witnesses can be
just as reliable as adults if handled correctly. It would be unfortunate if,
as a result of concern over the Dr Edgar and Peter Ellis cases, their
comments were ignored or discounted as a figment of an over-active
imagination. People acting in loco parentis will sometimes take advantage of
children's innocence and abuse them. Children alleging such offences must be
taken seriously. If the stories are later found to be untrue, that is most
unfortunate. But the alternative -- that real abusers are not identified and
get away with it -- is worse. |
