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

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