A Sydney-based languages teacher, Helga Lam, accused of sexually abusing multiple male students in the late 1970s, has been relieved of a seven-figure compensation claim by a court ruling. The NSW Supreme Court had previously awarded AUD$2.5 million in settlements to the victims, who were aged between 13 and 16 at the time of the alleged abuse.
Despite admitting that the abuse occurred, the judge found Lam not liable for the sum, stating that the 71-year-old teacher was not negligent as she may not have comprehended the harm caused by her actions back then. Justice Ian Harrison emphasized that while the abuse was confirmed, the understanding of child abuse and its effects was different almost 50 years ago.
The court ruling highlighted that although the state was held accountable for breaching its duty to the men, it could not pursue Lam for compensation as she was not deemed negligent. The school, under state administration, was found negligent for failing to address complaints about the abuse, while Lam’s authority and control over the situation were limited by her contractual obligations.
Lam’s lawyer, Osman Samin, expressed that defending his client against the decades-old allegations had been extremely challenging, pointing out the difficulties in refuting such dated claims. The judge’s decision ultimately underscored the evolving standards around recognizing and preventing harm in cases of sexual misconduct involving minors.