Thread by @Ka81

Sensitive thread for those easily upset. But important to me on accepting abuse of any kind in schools without real consequences.

Terrfying to write so go easy on me... but here is my experience..

I disclosed my #CSA in school. Back then there was zero support & it was all over school by lunchtime.
I was back in class after talking to social services & police. My parents was devastated and coped badly back then.

During the following months of terrible bullying, two teachers were a godsend at a time I had no adults left to go to. I made friends with a slightly younger year 8 , who disclosed abuse to me, I encouraged them to speak out. I was insistent..

The whole thing snowballed into 9 students against one teacher at our school. He got 9 years after court. So now you have over 10 victims at one school all at court. They was too slow at removing the teacher.

The culture at the time was , don't ask, don't tell & don't make a fuss, don't expel and just talk it through, pretend it is all sorted. With students and staff alike.

It results in a massive helpline being launched across the councils in my area.

My case ends in conviction for many victims spanning 40 odd years. He dies before being sent to prison. My friend in year 8, who is the only one I trust for years.. his abuser will be free now. An inquiry shows they hired him at the school after concerns from his previous school

Causes several to leave school.
I had a complete nervous breakdown at 15 a year later. 6 months after I'm released I stop going to school. It isn't safe anymore. All surviours have withdraw by gcse year.

I spent a long time resenting being the 1st to come forward. Knowing other people could have done the right thing. Adults could have stepped in. As difficult as it all was to rebuild a life after...

I never regretted it.

You can have a situation stop with you.

24 years later, both of us have change our names due to how high profile each case was. So No, I don't accept kids being in a unsafe situation, ever.

The culture worked against us. The whole way. I was & so was the other victims, ...an inconveniences ...a troubled teen that just needed a proper talk to.

Thankfully I had 2 teachers who didn't see it that way. I hope noone else does now.

I was hoping after my detailed thread I'd have said my bit...

But can edutwitter do me a massive favour ...never use the word 'claim' in regard to survivors ever again.
warringtonguardian.co.uk/news/5308624.f… &
warringtonguardian.co.uk/news/5305703.a…