Teacher Sexual Abuse on Students: Shattuck and Saudi Lessons - Essay Example

The case of a teacher facing 17 counts of sexual abuse against six of his students has shocked the river town of Faribault. The teacher, Lynn Seibel, now 70 years old, is accused of having sexually abused at least 6 of his students between 1996 and 2003 at the prestigious Episcopalian Shattuck-St. Mary’s Prep School. The alleged abuse was reportedly committed when the said victims were between 15 and 17 years of age. Mr. Seibel is also accused of being in possession of child pornography saved on his workplace computer.

It is reported that he lost his job in 2003 when the child pornography was discovered. This paper provides an in-depth analysis of the ethical misconduct allegedly committed by teacher Seibel. The paper also provides insight on steps taken by Saudi Arabia in protecting school children against criminal teachers in separate boys and girls schools. Teacher Sexual Abuse on Students: Shattuck and Saudi Lessons As reported by Wolf (2012), the case of the Shattuck-St. Mary’s sexual abuse and child pornography allegations against one of its former teachers has brought shock and disbelief in the small river town of Faribault.

The unethical acts have had even greater repercussions after it was realized that cases of sexual misconduct have occurred in the school in the past. The school is being accused of keeping such cases internal instead of reporting them to law enforcement agencies as required by the law. Apart from it being illegal to not report allegations of sexual misconduct, it is also morally wrong for institutions such as the Episcopalian school to withhold such information from relevant authorities. Child Sexual Abuse at Shattuck-St.

Mary’s In analyzing cases of such abuse, one has to first figure out why such things happen. There are several myths that are associated with sexual violence and abuse which are wrong. One myth is that sexual abuse happens because the perpetrator is strongly sexually aroused. Rape, molestation, sexual assault, and sexual abuse are always about power rather than sexual gratification. Another myth is that sexual abuse happens when the perpetrator gets sexually attracted to the victim and loses control in that moment of arousal.

Sexual abuse is rarely a spontaneous act. Rather, it is usually premeditated and planned by the perpetrator. A third and common myth is that most sexual assaults happen between strangers. According to the US Department of justice, over 70% of all sexual abuse cases involve a perpetrator who is known by the victim. More myths include the thought that victims of sexual abuse provoke the assaults or ask to be sexually molested by their flirty behavior or mode of dress. This is a common and very powerful myth that puts responsibility on the victim rather than on the assailant.

It is the perpetrators behavior and choices that should be put into question, not the victims. A prevalent and dangerous myth is that some people falsely accuse others of sexual assault. The Federal Bureau of Investigations reports indicate that fewer than 2% of allegations of sexual misconduct turn out to be wrong. Victims rarely falsify their reports out of vengeance, for monetary gain, or for any other reason where no abuse has taken place. Another myth is that men who abuse boys sexually are gay.

This assumes that sexual abuse is about sexual gratification. Teacher Siebel is a married heterosexual man with two sons. Such abuse is usually about control and power. Mr. Lynn Siebel is innocent until proven guilty, so the accusations against him are still unproven allegations. However, looking at the myths as outlined above, it is very likely that he committed the offenses. It is also very likely that there may be other victims who are