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Teacher arrested over alleged sexual assault of teenage student

Monica Young is expected to be charged over the sexual assault allegations.

Monica Young is expected to be charged over the sexual assault allegations. Photo: NSW Police

An teacher is expected to be charged over the repeated alleged sexual assault of a boy in her car and on school grounds in Western Sydney.

Monica Young, 23, was arrested at Greenacre early on Friday as detectives from the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad raided her home for evidence.

Police seized her car and several electronic items from the property including a mobile phone and computer.

Investigators are analysing the woman’s social media accounts.

The ABC understands the alleged offences happened at the high school and at least once in her car over a period of about a month.

It is unclear whether the teacher taught the student, but both are from the same high school.

Detective Acting Superintendent Michael Haddow said the investigation began earlier this week after the 14-year-old boy contacted police.

“It is abhorrent – ultimately teachers have a significant responsibility – there is a significant power shift between a teacher and the student and a significant amount of trust,” he said

“This is a very difficult time for the boy and his family – all I can say is he is receiving fantastic support from them and police.”

The teacher was taken in a police van to Bankstown Police Station for questioning and is expected to be charged with a range of offences.

In a statement, the NSW Department of Education said it was aware of “the alleged incident involving the employee”.

“The safety and wellbeing of children is the number one priority of the department.”

The statement said it would be inappropriate to comment further, given the ongoing police investigation.

Detective Acting Superintendent Haddow said the incident was a timely reminder for parents to have open and honest conservations with their children on a regular basis.

“Kids 14, 15, 16 [years old], sometimes they act or think they are a bit older than they are but ultimately … they are vulnerable, they’re easily led, they’re easily influenced,” he said.

“We would certainly urge parents to talk to their kids, be aware of who their kids are spending time with, be aware of who their kids are chatting with online – those difficult conversations are important to have.”

Police are investigating whether there are other alleged victims and are urging anyone with information to come forward.

-ABC

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