Introduction

In a heart-wrenching case that has left many shocked, a former primary school teacher was convicted for repeatedly molesting a female student over several years, shattering her childhood during what should have been a safe and supportive environment.

The Offender's Relationship with the Victim

The offender, a 38-year-old man, served as this girl's form teacher during her Primary 4 and 5 years. Initially, he formed an innocuous connection with her as she opened up about her troubled family life. However, as their inappropriate relationship developed, he began referring to her as 'baby' and requested she call him 'godpa,' a term implying an unusual familiarity and emotional attachment.

Details of the Abuse

The molestation began in 2016, when the victim was only 10 years old, and continued until she was 13, during her transition to Secondary 1 in 2018. The teacher, who has been suspended since June 2020 and is no longer employed in the education sector, was found guilty of multiple charges of molestation on September 25 after an intense trial.

Due to a court-ordered gag order, details about the teacher's identity and the school where he worked cannot be disclosed in a bid to protect the now 18-year-old victim, who bravely testified about her tormenting experiences.

Breaking Down Trust

The prosecution recounted that what started as a typical teacher-student relationship went awry as the victim confided in him about her struggles, like her rocky relationships with her family. This trust paved the way for the teacher to foster a closer bond with her through inappropriate behaviors disguised as affection. They engaged in numerous private conversations over platforms such as WhatsApp and Line, where he frequently expressed affection, using terms like 'bao bei' (meaning 'precious') and professing feelings of love and longing. The claim he made that 'bao bei' equated to 'a precious daughter' raises eyebrows about the misinterpretation of protective mentorship.

Escalation of Abuse

During the trial, harrowing details emerged about the molestation incidents. The first occurrence happened in the school premises when the man inexplicably slapped the girl's bottom, leaving her shocked and bewildered. Over the next year, as she continued to communicate with him even after he ceased to be her teacher, he escalated his inappropriate behavior, including hugging her awkwardly in a classroom setting.

The climax occurred during a movie outing in December 2018, initiated by the teacher himself. Here, he crossed another line by fondling her under her clothing, which was a direct violation of her trust and safety.

The Aftermath

This unsettling case came to light only when the victim bravely confided in another teacher two years later, leading to a police investigation that culminated in the arrest of the offender shortly after the report was made.

Impact on the Victim

The lasting impact of these events on the victim is devastating, with reports indicating she has been diagnosed with major depressive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of the abuse.

Conclusion

This case serves as a tragic reminder of the importance of vigilance in educational environments and the need for strong protective measures for students. As the community grapples with the implications of this betrayal, it raises critical questions about the boundaries of teacher-student relationships and the necessity for mental health support for victims of abuse.