When Teachers Are Discovered to Have Sexually Abused Students: The Role of Child Psychiatric Consultation

Abstract

Tragically, investigations have shown many cases of teachers in private schools sexually abusing students.¹ Most cases occurred from the 1960s through the 1990s and involved eccentric, creative, highly valued, and long-serving teachers. Some were indiscriminate predators who abused many children, others abused one or a few students, and some "groomed" students by developing a special emotional relationship during high school and then initiating a sexual relationship after graduation. Often, abusers and victims were vulnerable because of low self-esteem, depression, divorce, or substance use. Most of the abuse concerned a male teacher and a female student, but some concerned same-sex teacher and student or a female teacher and a male student.