An exclusive public school on the Isle of Wight may not be immediately associated with dark tales of abuse. However, in 2021, Bembridge School became the focus of ‘Operation Seaside’, an investigation by Hampshire Police, following a surge of allegations by former pupils.
Tracey Emmott
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It has been 4 years since the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Armes V Nottinghamshire County Council, enabling victims of abuse by foster carers to seek financial redress from the local authority which placed them in foster care.
By way of a postscript to a blog published in 14th October 2014 (republished below) this firm finally represented 5 of David Lowe’s victims in civil compensation claims, which were ultimately successful against the Westminster Cathedral Choir School, a London Catholic preparatory school for gifted choristers.
Sexual abuse and sexual violence is a deeply damaging reality. Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week is a national event aimed at building awareness and campaigning against sexual violence and abuse.
Childhood sexual abuse in a religious setting, perpetrated by a representative of the religion, is a profound breach of trust.
No amount of money can ever compensate for the lifelong damaging effects of childhood sexual abuse. Abuse in the context of religion is arguably more damaging as it often has the additional layer of spiritual abuse.
Editor's note: Since we reported successful compensation claims against the Cistercian Order in 2017 in respect of six survivors of abuse by Father Kotik Thaddeus, a monk on Caldey Island, more survivors have come forward.
It is reported that over 20 survivors have now disclosed abuse suffered at the hands of monks. Claims of non recent abuse involving priests and religious figures are being re-investigated by police. A public inquiry is being called for, 5000 signatures having been obtained on a petition.
It is hoped that a public inquiry will shine a much needed spotlight on the child exploitation that occurred on Caldey Island, to learn lessons from the past and prevent future failings. As important it is vital that survivors are heard and can find justice and much needed resolution.
Hampshire Constabulary are currently conducting an investigation called "Operation Seaside" into allegations of sexual abuse at Bembridge School on the Isle of Wight. Bembridge School was a public school which taught children aged 9 to 17, which closed on 23rd September 1997. It was also a boarding school.
While over 30 million people tuned in to watch England vs Italy in the Euro 2020 final earlier this month, only the 60,000 in Wembley stadium witnessed the ‘streaker’ that the rest of us were spared thanks to the discretion of the cameras.
All parents and guardians hope that school is a place where their children are safe and able to develop academically, emotionally and socially. It is expected that their safety is a given. Regrettably, and largely down to the initiative of a 22-year-old former student in setting up the ‘Everyone’s Invited’ website, it has recently come to light that in some schools a 'rape culture' exists, so that these schools are not safe places at all.
Women on their own who are hotel guests, or indeed women employed to provide room service – can be vulnerable to sexual predators.
