26 September 2011

Camp sexual assault on children could have been avoided

Last week the public heard about an Eastern Bay of Plenty camp where eight schoolgirls were sexually assaulted by Mathew Everson, a convicted rapist who worked at the camp. Justice Lang permanently suppressed the name of the school and the venue of the camp and was said to have stated that he was satisfied the camp wasn't to blame because its staff were unaware of Everson's past.

Amanda Meynell, spokesperson for Child Matters, New Zealand’s child abuse prevention organisation said “This situation could have been avoided if appropriate checks had been undertaken into Mr Everson’s past. Mr Everson is absolutely responsible for his actions and the significant harm caused to these children and their families. However, the camp is also responsible for ensuring anyone they employ is safe to be around children.”

This situation will have had a significant negative impact on these children, their families and many others. When terrible situations like this take place, parents no doubt start to question the safety of allowing their children to go to camps and enjoy other experiences that can help children to grow their confidence, self esteem and independence.

“Every organisation that deals with children has a responsibility to keep children safe. If an organisation employs people (paid or not) they are responsible for doing all necessary checks to ensure those people are safe to be around children. This camp appeared not to have done this effectively.” Says Mrs Meynell

Mrs Meynell continues “Carrying out Police checks alone will not identify all sexual offenders. Often those who have committed sexual offences against children will not have been convicted. Also, sexual offenders of children often appear very helpful, friendly and charming. They use these attributes to gain the trust of children, their families and other professionals. It is therefore absolutely necessary to make sure that thorough background checks are carried out. The safety of children must be of paramount consideration at all times.”

Ensuring that organisations recruit childsafe people is only one part of keeping children safe in an organisation. Equally important are ensuring the organisation has childsafe practices and conducts childsafe training. Child Matters has just released an online tool, the Childsafe Guide, which provides a step by step process for developing childsafe people, practices and training for organisations working with children. This resource puts organisations firmly in control of making sure they keep children safe.

Child Matters’ Childsafe Guide can be found at www.childsafeguide.org.nz or via the Child Matters website.

ENDS

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