Understanding why teachers are targeted for false abuse claims

On Behalf of Kirsch Daskas Law Group | Apr 7, 2022 | Sexual assault 

The number of educators who are falsely accused of sexual abuse by an adolescent continues to rise every year. Because of this, teachers are growing increasingly cautious about the ways in which they approach their students. The risk of being falsely accused is far too great to be careless.

False allegations of sexual abuse made by a teenager will upend your life in ways you never knew were possible. People will be quick to deem you guilty from the moment the accusation is made known. The community can turn against you even if you are innocent. This is a label that will never go away.

Why do adolescents make false sexual abuse claims?

Teenagers are caught in the chasm between childhood and adulthood. They are faced with emotions that run rampant and a way of reasoning that doesn’t always make sense. An immature teen who is mad at their teacher for giving them a poor grade may spontaneously seek retribution.

An angry teen may not stop to consider the consequences of making false accusations. They are smart enough to know that this is the fastest way to get revenge. Eventually, when they realize what they have done to their teacher, they may decide to recant. By that time, however, the damage has already been done.

Another possibility is that the teen is being coerced into making the accusation. This can come from another teen who has a bone to pick with the teacher. It could also come from an adult whom the teen trusts.

What if you’ve been falsely accused?

Regardless of the reason, if a student has falsely accused you of sexual abuse, the most important thing you can do for yourself is invest in a strong defense. You are in for a long, tiring battle and you cannot fight it alone.