The Bread Crumb Trail: A Straight Line from Sexual Misconduct to Sexual Abuse in Schools - - Broader Examination of Sexual Misconduct Critical to Protecting Nations School Children
Mary Jo McGrath, recent Chair of the US Department of Education Expert Panel on Safe, Disciplined and Drug-Free Schools, is an investigative school attorney specializing in education law. She has prepared an in depth article entitled, The Bread Crumb Trail: A Straight Line from Sexual Misconduct to Sexual Abuse in Schools, to demonstrate the direct link between sexual misconduct and sexual abuse. Ms. McGrath provides expert guidance on the detection and investigation of educator sexual misconduct and abuse in our schools.
Santa Barbara, CA (PRWEB) September 2, 2004 -- More than 4.5 million students endure sexual misconduct by employees of their schools, ranging from inappropriate jokes all the way to forced sex, according to a new report to Congress prepared by Charol Shakeshaft, a Hofstra University professor, in compliance with No Child Left Behind legislation.
The report drew extensive flak from many corners upon its submission. Michael Pons, a representative of the National Education Association, a union of 2.7 million school employees, said, Lumping harassment together with serious sexual misconduct does more harm than good by creating unjustified alarm and undermining confidence in public schools.
What Mr. Pons statement reflects is a lack of awareness of the direct and undeniable connection between behaviors that would be classified as sexual misconduct and their progression into sexual abuse.
Mary Jo McGrath, recent Chair of the US Department of Education Expert Panel on Safe, Disciplined and Drug-Free Schools, is an investigative school attorney specializing in education law. She has prepared an in depth article entitled, The Bread Crumb Trail: A Straight Line from Sexual Misconduct to Sexual Abuse in Schools, to demonstrate the direct link between sexual misconduct and sexual abuse. Ms. McGrath provides expert guidance on the detection and investigation of educator sexual misconduct and abuse in our schools.
According to Ms. McGrath, it is absolutely critical to include the full range of educator sexual misconduct in any discussion that is serious about protecting students from harm. Why? Because rarely is the sexual abuse itself visible to those in the educational community. You need to know the subtle signs.
The McGrath article includes the following guidance:
A comprehensive list of sexual misconduct behaviors.
Understanding the psychodynamics of a typical educator sexual abuse investigation identifying the danger and following the leads.
Boundary violations the bread crumb trail to uncovering sexual abuse.
A classification system for recognizing and acting on early warning signs of sexual abuse.
What about false allegations? (First of all, they are rare
)
Duty to protect an inclusive summary of school district responsibility.
Creating an environment of safety and respect.
After over 25 years as an investigative attorney, McGrath concludes, Most sexual abuse allegations against educators do not result from a single indiscretion in a reckless moment. Almost always there is a continuing course of conduct by an adult who preys on children for sexual gratification.
Mary Jo McGrath, Attorney at Law, is president and founder of McGrath Training Systems, a national provider of legally based training for schools and businesses. She is an expert on educator sexual misconduct and abuse. A print ready copy of The Bread Crumb Trail: A Straight Line from Sexual Misconduct to Sexual Abuse in Schools is available upon request. For additional in-depth articles on the psychodynamics of child sexual abuse investigations, early warning signs of child sexual abuse and related topics, go to www.mcgrathinc.com. McGrath Training also provides sexual harassment and abuse investigation training via distance learning courses, live workshops and video education systems.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Jill Proudfoot, Director of Marketing and IT, McGrath Training Systems
PH: 805-683-0727 FAX: 626-797-3115
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