$1m awarded to sex abuse victim

J-Wire
September 16, 2015

http://www.jwire.com.au/1m-awarded-to-sex-abuse-victim/

Malka Leifer

A woman alleged to have been sexually abused by the principal of a Jewish day school in Melbourne has been awarded $1 million in damages.

Justice Rush said in Melbourne’s Supreme Court that the actions taken by the Adass Israel School in helping principal Malka Leifer flee Australia in 2008 were “deplorable and disgraceful.” The allegations of her behaviour were raised shortly after she left Australia.

The school was also criticised for failing to contact police.

Leifer has been arrested in Israel where she is facing extradition to Australia to face 74 charges of sexual assault.

The woman who sued the school is one of three sisters who were allegedly abused with the offences starting in 2002 when she was 15.

The Age reports that Justice Jack Rush found the school liable “for the former student’s pain, suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, economic loss and past and future medical expenses”.

J-Wire was told by the Adass Yisroel School that they would make “no comment”.

In response to the Supreme Court decision, the President of the Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV) Jennifer Huppert stated, ” Although the Adass Israel School is not affiliated with the JCCV, events at Adass concern all members of the community.  The JCCV believes very strongly that Malka Leifer must be brought back to Australia to face justice.  It is critical for the sake of the victims and for healing to be able to take place.”

“We are pleased to note that the current administration has been working towards improving policies and procedures regarding child sexual abuse, and they have been participating in this year’s JCCV Child Protection Policy & Procedures Training.  We hope that the administration of the school use this knowledge to ensure a safe and secure environment for the children in their care.”