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🇦🇺 Australia /Culture & Society

Family 'devastated' after alleged indecent assault of disabled child at school

From ABC Australia · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • A Northern Territory family alleges the Department of Education failed in its duty of care after their 12-year-old daughter was indecently assaulted at a school for disabled children.
  • The incident reportedly occurred in a school bathroom involving another student, leading to the girl's refusal to attend school and changes in her demeanor.
  • An incident report details the alleged touching and the subsequent interviews with the students, highlighting the girl's disability-related needs and the school's response.

A Northern Territory family is devastated and accuses the Department of Education of negligence after their 12-year-old daughter, who has disabilities, was allegedly indecently assaulted at a school. The incident, which occurred in a school bathroom and involved another student, has led to the girl refusing to attend school and exhibiting noticeable changes in her behavior. Her grandfather described the situation as heartbreaking, noting a significant shift in her affectionate nature. The family feels the situation is not improving over time. The alleged incident and subsequent police assessments have been extremely confronting for them. The school's incident report, obtained by the ABC, states a teacher found the girl and a boy in the same bathroom cubicle. The girl told staff the boy pulled down her pants and touched her on the butt. The boy reportedly nodded when asked if the girl's account was correct. The report also noted the girl has an "education adjustment plan" that includes reminders for her to close the toilet door. The family has shared a cognitive assessment detailing the girl's intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder.

She loves giving a high five and cuddling people … that doesn't happen no more unless mummy says it's okay.

— Girl's grandfatherDescribing the emotional impact of the alleged assault on his granddaughter.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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