My son was abused by a teacher for some time and ultimately began wetting himself. I took him to the doctor in the first instance and he did his best to explain what she was doing to him. The GP made an entry about it on his notes, as it was clear my son wasn't making his abuse up, he was just 5 years old! The GP then advised me to go straight to the LEA and report it. I did so, but because of other failures at the school, I decided that the abuse issue was the final straw and withdrew all our children from the School and home Schooled them. Best thing I could have done frankly.
When I went to tribunal over my sons SEN they condemned the School on a whole range of failures, not only on behalf of the heads failure to act to our concerns, but also on the governing body's failure to hold the School to account. Ultimately, the head was sacked and the whole School received a shake up by way of new staff being employed and old ones having to re-interviewer for their jobs. Too late for my children and It took quite a while, but the wheels of change turned eventually.
Because I was more interested in getting the provision for my son that he needed for his special needs I never did proceed with litigation. In hindsight I wish I had. He spent over a year and a half in private therapy, which I had to pay for and some time under CAMH's. What happened to him was wrong and I found out later it had happened to others. Don't be fobbed off and please don't let the child continue to endure the abuse. If the child is reporting this abuse it is imperative you act on it. The Child needs to be heard. Remove the child from the situation if necessary; you have every right, and demand an investigation not only into your child's allegations, but also others that have been voiced. My heart goes out to your friend and her child. I hope she gets a prompt response and positive outcome. For my own son the abuse just compounded his difficulties with confidence and communication, however, 7 years on and now with statemented support, he's beginning to blossom. Good Luck. Mxx
