The Bread Crumb Trail: Tracing A Straight Line from Sexual Misconduct to Sexual Abuse in Schools Broader Examination of Sexual Misconduct Critical to Protecting Nation's School Children

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Release Date: August 13, 2004

The Bread Crumb Trail: Tracing A Straight Line from Sexual Misconduct to Sexual Abuse in Schools Broader Examination of Sexual Misconduct Critical to Protecting Nation's School Children

By McGrath Training Systems
August 13, 2004

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Mary Jo McGrath, an investigative attorney specializing in education law and former Chair of the US Department of Education Expert Panel on Safe, Disciplined and Drug-Free Schools, has prepared an in depth article "The Bread Crumb Trail: Tracing A Straight Line from Sexual Misconduct to Sexual Abuse in Schools" to demonstrate that there is indeed a straight line between the two and to provide some basic guidance on the detection and investigation of educator sexual misconduct and abuse in our schools.

PR9.NET August 13, 2004 - More than 4.5 million students endure sexual misconduct by employees of their schools, ranging from inappropriate jokes all the way to forced sex, according to a new report to Congress prepared by Charol Shakeshaft, a Hofstra University professor, in compliance with No Child Left Behind legislation.

The report drew significant flak upon its submission. Michael Pons, a representative of the National Education Association, a union of 2.7 million school employees, said, "Lumping harassment together with serious sexual misconduct does more harm than good by creating unjustified alarm and undermining confidence in public schools."

What Mr. Pons’ statement reflects is a lack of awareness of the connection between behaviors that would be classified as sexual misconduct and their progression into sexual abuse.

According to McGrath, it is absolutely critical to include the full range of educator sexual misconduct in any discussion that is serious about protecting students from harm. Why? Because rarely is the sexual abuse itself visible to those in the educational community.

The McGrath article includes the following guidance:
# A comprehensive list of sexual misconduct behaviors.
# Understanding the psychodynamics of a typical educator sexual abuse investigation – identifying the danger and following the leads.
# Boundary violations – the "bread crumb’ trail to uncovering sexual abuse.
# A classification system for recognizing and acting on early warning signs of sexual abuse.
# What about false allegations? (First of all, they are rare...)
# Duty to protect – an inclusive summary of school district responsibility.
# Creating an environment of safety and respect.

After over 25 years as an investigative attorney, McGrath concludes, "Most sexual abuse allegations against educators do not result from a single indiscretion in a reckless moment. Almost always there is a continuing course of conduct by an adult who preys on children for sexual gratification."

Mary Jo McGrath, Attorney at Law, is president and founder of McGrath Training Systems, a national provider of legally based training for schools. She is an expert on educator sexual misconduct and abuse. A print ready copy of "The Bread Crumb Trail: Tracing A Straight Line from Sexual Misconduct to Sexual Abuse in Schools" is available upon request. For additional in-depth articles on the psychodynamics of child sexual abuse investigations, early warning signs of child sexual abuse and related topics, go to www.mcgrathinc.com.

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The Bread Crumb Trail: Tracing A Straight Line from Sexual Misconduct to Sexual Abuse in Schools Broader Examination of Sexual Misconduct Critical to Protecting Nation's School Children

Contact Information of McGrath Training Systems

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About McGrath Training Systems

McGrath Training Systems provides comprehensive video, in-service, and distance learning professional development programs on a variety of topics including employee supervision and evaluation, leadership, constructive communication, bullying and sexual harassment prevention and intervention, and cultural and racial diversity.