Former Beacon Hill High student makes abuse claims against teachers
POLICE are believed to be looking into claims by a former northern beaches student that she was abused hundreds of times by two teachers from the age of 14.
Manly
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POLICE are believed to be preparing to meet with a former northern beaches high school student who claims she was abused hundreds of times by teachers.
The 53-year-old alleges she was groomed and abused at the Beacon Hill High School in 1979 and 1980 when she was in Year 9 and 10, aged 14 and 15.
The school closed in 2002 due to falling enrolments.
The woman claims she was made to perform a sex act on two teachers hundreds of times.
She said she had given two statements to northern beaches police in the past — once in the mid-90s and another around eight years ago — but was told “it was too long ago”.
But now she said she had hope after NSW detectives working for Strike Force Southwood investigating historical assaults at northern beaches schools wanted to interview her.
The team led by the NSW Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad was launched in July after a series of allegations were made public in a podcast investigating the disappearance of Bayview mum Lynette Dawson. In it former pupils spoke about the culture of abuse at Cromer High.
The former Beacon Hill High student said police “were taking it very seriously” and had told her they were planning to fly interstate, where she now lives to get a fresh statement.
The mum, who has a grown up daughter, does not want to be named.
She was also worried about revealing where she lives.
But she told the Manly Daily she “wanted it known in the hope it will help other people” who may have also been abused to come forward.
“I know it happened to others,” she said. “I feel like I have never been believed.”
The alleged victim said growing up in Beacon Hill her home life was blighted with violence and alcohol abuse and she was often in trouble at school.
She believes her unstable family life made her a target for paedophiles.
She was also threatened with expulsion by one alleged abuser, if she did not do what was asked.
She cried as she revealed how the attacks had ruined her life.
“I’ve lost count the amount of times I’ve tried to kill myself or have self-harmed over this,” she said.
She said knowing detectives wanted to talk to her has brought with it a number of emotions.
“I feel a mix of emotions, including elation,” she said.
“I want it known.”
A NSW Police spokesman said Strike Force Southwood detectives could not comment on specific cases, but were continuing to investigate allegations of historic sexual assaults and student/teacher relationships on Sydney’s northern beaches.
“Our priority is seeking justice for all victims and ensuring their safety and wellbeing, therefore, to protect their privacy and any information they may provide, we will not comment on specific aspects of the investigation,” said the spokesman.
Reports can be made at any police station, or to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.