Agency calls for urgent action to prevent child sex abuse
According to Fairfax News an 18 year old tutor has pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting two pupils. The pupils were
boys aged 12 and 13 years old.
ECAPT Child ALERT once again is drawing attention to what has become a tragic recurring pattern of New Zealand children
being sexually abused. National Director Alan Bell says “Once again we have to read of children in their formative years
being taken advantage of by people in places of responsibility. Earlier this week a case of a middle aged man abusing
children in his care was reported and now we have an 18 year old using his position of trust to sexually exploit young
boys.”
Although the offender pleaded guilty to the charges, when interviewed by police, the man implied the 13-year-old had
instigated the sexual contact. However he further admitted that on other occasions he exposed himself to boys and
offered them money to show him their genitals.
“This crime against vulnerable children must be prevented," says ECPAT. “Parents should be able to have complete trust
in those to whom they entrust their children for care. They need to check out that the school, club, church or
care-giver has been thoroughly screened and also that the responsible organisation has a child protection policy that is
strictly adhered to. This case demonstrates that more needs to be done by those who take children into their care. The
message for all is to be aware, make safety checks, don’t assume that there is no risk and demand evidence of protection
measures. Contrary to common belief the risk is for both boys and girls and of any age.”
Justice Timothy Brewer told the man he was making the permanent name suppression "not out of any tenderness for you". He
said it was because the victims' lives would become "untenable" in a school environment if their identities were
revealed. The offender will be sentenced in September.
ECPAT Child ALERT is registered charitable trust working to prevent the sexual exploitation of children.
ENDS