A music teacher at a prestigious Melbourne church school allegedly sexually abused a student over two years and continued working at the school with unsupervised access to children for several years, according to a statement of claim filed in the Supreme Court of Victoria.
The student, identified only as Emma, now 20, alleges the abuse began when she was nine during private piano lessons in a soundproof basement music room. The teacher allegedly escalated from sitting close to Emma to placing her hand on Emma's thigh, exposing herself, and penetrating Emma with a dildo.
Emma's mental health declined significantly from year 4, leading to antidepressants and a stutter diagnosed as extreme anxiety. At 14, during a study exchange in Sweden, a pap smear triggered memories of the abuse, and she disclosed it to her psychiatrist upon returning to Melbourne.
Emma and her mother reported the abuse to police, but officers said the case was historical and evidence likely destroyed, so no charges were laid. The school's only protective measure was requiring Emma to use a different gate. The teacher continued working at the school, including giving private lessons, despite Emma's parents sending frequent emails requesting investigation and safety measures.
Emma left the school after year 10, saying she 'tapped out of the world a little bit' after police could not act. Shine Lawyers, representing Emma, has filed the claim against the school and teacher, alleging Emma suffers major depression, PTSD, and OCD as a result of the abuse.
