Press Releases

18.03.10

Subject: Abuse

The interview held yesterday with the former Headmaster of Schule Schloss Salem, Dr. Bernhard Bueb, has not only led to uncertainty and intensive inquiries in the public media, but also at the School itself.

Although the School Administration has not been aware of any cases of sexual abuse until now, but has reacted in the past exclusively to incidents where pupils complained of harassment, the Headmistress of Schule Schloss Salem has now already sent a letter today to all the former and present pupils as well as the members of the School staff. She requests the disclosure of any possible offences and incidents in the past, or at the present time.

This not only concerns legally enforceable offences, but also transgressions and assaults of any kind whatsoever. "Protecting the children and youths entrusted to our care has first priority", explains Eva Marie Haberfellner, Headmistress of Schule Schloss Salem.

Already in the past the School has followed up every notification, reacted appropriately in the given situation, and acted in a consistent manner when staff members had the reputation of exceeding the limits with boarding school pupils, either verbally or physically. We parted from members of the staff  if it was evident that a change in their behaviour or a remedy for the situation stood no chance.  In one serious case of attempted abuse, the School immediately contacted the Department of Public Prosecution.