Student abused by Berwick Secondary College teacher Rinjana West urges other victims to come forward
It took 20 years for the woman who was molested by a former Berwick Secondary College teacher to get justice. Now she’s urging other victims to come forward, saying “I’ve taken the first step for you”.
South East
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A woman who was sexually assaulted by a former Berwick Secondary College teacher Rinjana West has called for other victims to find the courage to come forward.
The woman spoke out after West, 45, pleaded guilty in the County Court last Tuesday to indecently assaulting the then 16-year-old on a school trip.
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Speaking to the Leader after the court case, the woman said she didn’t want to be named or photographed, but later issued a heartfelt message on Facebook.
“I’m hoping other victims will see this and speak up and know I’ve taken the first step for you,” she posted.
“I know for an absolute fact that I am not this man’s only victim and I urge anyone who knows someone or they themselves experienced any form of assault to speak up.
“I spent years feeling guilty, disgusted and embarrassed.
“No one should have to suffer from these feelings.
“He was a teacher, I was his student and he broke the trust in a way that can never be forgotten.
“Please for those of u (sic) that know where I went to school and feel that you want to speak up.”
The indecent assault took place in 1999 on a plane as the teenager and West returned from a school trip to Indonesia.
It took five years for the young girl to find the courage to speak up, and bureaucratic wrangling delayed police action for another 12 years.
West and his victim, were sitting next to each other on the plane when West reached over and touched her genital area.
The frightened schoolgirl “froze” and was “unable to act”.
West only stopped his assault when his victim opened her eyes.
Finally, 20 years after the incident, West faced court last Tuesday pleading guilty to one charge of committing an act of indecency on another person without their consent. He was given a nine-month sentence wholly suspended for two years.
He was also placed on the sexual offenders register for eight years.
The court also heard how another girl made a complaint against West but that matter would not be proceeding.
Judge John Carmody said West committed a “significant breach of trust”.
“You betrayed the trust of her, her parents and the school,” he said.
“You took advantage of the conditions of an overseas trip. The protection of vulnerable young people is paramount.”