Ignore the danger signs of sex abuse at our peril

• April 20, 2009

It is mind-bogglingly appalling that yet another child sexual assault disaster waiting to happen was reportedly ignored by the authorities with whom it was flagged ("Brave girls pay high price for exposing evil", smh.com.au, April 19).

This occurred despite years of scrutiny and review of government and institutional processes to expose and investigate cases of child sexual assault within churches, schools and in broader society. The behaviour reported regarding the former headmaster of St Andrews Christian School Frank Bailey, who has pleaded guilty to five counts of sexual intercourse with a person in his care, was riddled with danger signs that were exhibited publicly - not to mention the repeated reports made by students and a teacher of his alleged impropriety.

Instead of those reports being treated with the gravity they deserved, yet again punitive action was taken against all those who spoke out. What will it take for those in positions of authority, whose duty of care mandates prompt and responsible action to protect its charges, to listen to the concerns of victims and so-called whistleblowers? When will we as a society stop victimising the victims and acknowledge the realities of child abuse and neglect in our families, homes and institutions?

Child abuse in Australia continues unabated, and is estimated at five times official levels. As a result, there are more than 2 million adult survivors of child abuse.

Without the right help, the multiple impact of childhood trauma on them can extend right into old age. Many survivors are left struggling day-to-day simply to get to first base. Yet we as a society would rather deny the existence of child abuse and ignore its long-term legacy.

As long as institutions, departments and individuals conspire to bury the truth, we will not see any reduction in numbers. The 16-year old victim, now 17, has shown tremendous courage in coming forward and speaking out. She is undoubtedly particularly vulnerable for someone of that age, as has been reported, and deserves every iota of support and care that can be mustered. We as a society owe her and other child victims a substantial debt for our failures.

Dr Cathy Kezelman chairwoman, Adults Surviving Child Abuse, Bellevue Hill