Emerging Trends in Teacher Sexual Misconduct in Ontario 2007-2012

Cases that led to findings of sexual misconduct by the Ontario College of Teachers were analyzed in a descriptive fashion in order to understand current patterns of abusers and victims over the past six years (2007-12). Sexual misconduct appears to be an ongoing problem in Ontario schools in light o...

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Published inEducation law journal Vol. 23; no. 1; p. 19
Main Authors Jaffe, Peter, Straatman, Anna-Lee, Harris, Bryanne, Georges, Aurélien, Vink, Katherine, Reif, Katherine
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Toronto HAB Press Limited 01.12.2013
Subjects
Annual Reports
Antisocial Behavior
Boards of Education
Child Abuse
Child abuse & neglect
Child Neglect
Churches
Community Relations
Parents
Pornography
Residential Schools
Sex crimes
Sexual Abuse
Special Needs Students
Teacher Improvement
Teachers
Verbal Communication
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Summary:Cases that led to findings of sexual misconduct by the Ontario College of Teachers were analyzed in a descriptive fashion in order to understand current patterns of abusers and victims over the past six years (2007-12). Sexual misconduct appears to be an ongoing problem in Ontario schools in light of the 110 cases found over this period. Although the number is small in relation to the teacher and student populations, the nature and effects of the misconduct make it a serious concern. The overwhelming majority of cases involve male teachers and adolescent female students and appear to be recent rather than historical cases coming to light from previous generations of teachers and students. The implications of these cases include the importance of addressing this topic in teacher education as well as professional development for teachers and administrators. Many of the sexual misconduct cases suggest a "special" ongoing relationship between the perpetrator and victim including extensive use of social media. The pattern suggests the importance of policy and practice in setting appropriate professional boundaries. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]
ISSN:0838-2875