When a Teacher is the Abuser
January 9, 2018 ·
When a Teacher is the Abuser
Francisco B. Bermido, Jr.
Teachers are for the most part the protectors and helpers of children and as part of their professional and moral duty, they listen, assist and understand their students especially when they have problems. This is urgent when the children have suffered sexual abuse and have no one else to turn to. Many cases of abuse have been reported by concerned teachers. It is once in a while that a teacher will be the abuser and that is what happened to Claudette.
Her male teacher Mr. C.F. was attracted to her and he took her into an enclosed space in the school and sexually abused her several times. Claudette was shocked and was under the control of her teacher but she could not endure it and her studies were greatly affected and her grades were falling. She was becoming traumatized and one day she found the courage to report the abuse to her parents. They immediately took her side and they confronted Mr. C.F.
Claudette was traumatized and depressed and she was referred to the Preda Home for Children by social workers in Pasig City, Metro Manila where the abuse happened. She had a medical-legal examination and sexual abuse was confirmed. A case was filed against the accused. He denied all acts of abuse and made his defense. But the prosecutor ruled that it was weak defense and elevated the complaint to be decided by the court. The warrant of arrest was issued and the accused posted bail for his freedom in the amount of 200,000 pesos. The case is still ongoing.
Claudette was accepted into the Preda family and she quickly felt at home and that she belonged. She received support and affirmation and encouragement. She soon began to recover and enrolled in school again, continued her studies and is doing very good. She had her emotional expression therapy and expressed deep anger at her abuser. This empowered her to testify in the court against him. She has recovered very well and will soon be reintegrated with her family. Another happy outcome for the children at Preda and especially for Claudette.
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