JCCV comments on Sexual Abuse Claims
The Jewish Community Council of Victoria is disturbed by the recent allegations of sexual abuse at Yeshivah College.
John Searle
JCCV President, John Searle said, “we abhor the abuse of children in any way, be it physical, sexual, emotional or psychological, and particularly when it is perpetrated by those in positions of trust and authority at our communal institutions”.
Searle went on to say: “we strongly encourage anybody with information about the alleged abuse to contact the police so that justice can be achieved for all. If anybody is in any way reluctant to come forward, I would ask them to contact either the JCCV or the Jewish Taskforce Against Family Violence for assistance and support. The JCCV has already made offers of support to both the Yeshivah Centre and victims, and will continue to do so as long as is necessary. We are able to facilitate with access to appropriate counselling and support services, as well as mediate with police”.
Searle continued, “we take these complaints very seriously and encourage all organisations – whether JCCV affiliate members or not – to constantly review the steps they have in place to ensure the safety and security of our children. It is hard to imagine anything more important than the welfare of our children.”
Searle concluded by saying “the victims of this alleged abuse need support and assistance from every avenue in our community and the JCCV will do whatever it can to assist all of the victims.”
Twelve months later and that assurance in tact for “our children”, the endearment remains.
Sunday 15th July 2012.