Community’s changing attitudes to sexual abuse

Letter to AJN July 1st 2011

WITH reference to the recent articles regarding  allegations of sexual abuse at Yeshivah College, it is pertinent to note the following: Attitudes have changed dramatically in the last 20 years, in both  secular and religious communities of all denominations, and while it is true to say that there was in the past a code of silence surrounding such matters, it is also true to say that this all-pervasive  attitude is now changing.

For the last 15 years, the Jewish Taskforce Against Family Violence (JTAFV Inc) has been at the forefront of education and  awareness  by running programs in relation to such matters, and Yeshivah College was one of the first schools to welcome the sessions on family violence and the prevention of child sexual assault which were facilitated by JTAFV Inc.

Yeshivah College, as well as a number of other Jewish schools, now has programs in place in relation to prevention of child sexual abuse and victims are encouraged to come forward. No longer are such matters automatically locked away in a cupboard. There may be many reasons why victims are reluctant to speak out, but the Rabbinical Council of Victoria has been actively working with the JTAFV Inc on issues of family violence and sexual assault and encourages victims to seek appropriate support.

It is easy to sensationalise such matters, but it is also worth noting that Yeshivah College is cooperating fully with the police in its current investigations.