Anessa Paige Gower, Teacher At Making Waves Academy, Arrested For Allegedly Molesting Seven Students And Sharing Graphic Photos Online
RICHMOND, CALIFORNIA (April 28, 2022) – A former biology teacher at Making Waves Academy identified as Anessa Gower was arrested and charged with the sexual assault of 7 students.
Contra Costa County officials are saying that the abuse dates back to last year and involves students at Making Waves Academy. Anessa Gower was arrested on April 6th at the Sacramento International Airport.
The arrest follows statements that were taken from victims and witnesses. According to the Contra Costa County District Attorney press release, the alleged behavior includes “sex acts with minors, inappropriate touching, and sharing sexually graphic photos over online platforms.”
The age of the students has not been released. However, Making Waves Academy has students enrolled from grades 5 to 12. Anessa Gower has since been fired from her job as a biology teacher when the allegations came to light.
A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Student Sexual Assault At Richmond Schools
Sexual assault in schools is unfortunately very common in the United States. According to one report from K-12 Academics, sexual harassment can occur at every stage of a child’s education. It has been estimated that roughly 10% of students will experience sexual misconduct by a teacher by the time they graduate from high school. Sexual misconduct can come in many forms and may include any of the following activities.
- Unwelcome sexual advances
- Verbal harassment of a sexual nature
- Sending unwanted sexually explicit photos
- Requesting sexual favors
- Unwanted touching or groping
Schools have a legal obligation to protect the well-being of the students they are looking after. This includes taking steps to prevent sexual assault. As explained in Virginia G. v. ABC Unified School District (1993) 15 Cal.App.4th 1848, a school can be liable for the sexual assault of a child by a teacher if supervisors knew (or should have known) about the teacher’s history of sexual misconduct with the students they care for. School officials must also supervise teachers appropriately to prevent sexual assaults. Failing to adequately supervise a teacher that goes on to molest students could form the basis of a negligence claim.
California Code of Civil Procedure section 340.1 prohibits childhood sexual assault. The statute also allows both the person who committed the assault and the organization that allowed it to happen to face liability. The statute was amended in 2020 to allow for punitive damages. This can happen against any organization that tries to cover up evidence of childhood sexual assault which leads to further abuse. There are a number of signs that a child may have been the victim of sexual assault that parents should look for.
- Children who are sexually assaulted may have a sharp decline in academic performance.
- Children who are sexually assaulted may recoil from being touched or hugged.
- Children who are sexually assaulted may develop anxiety or depression.
- Children who are sexually assaulted may experience mood swings.
Victims of child sexual abuse will typically be able to seek some measure of justice through a civil claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. Unfortunately, schools and school districts will fight extremely hard to deny liability for any teacher that molests students. A sexual abuse attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating Student Sexual Assault At California Schools
We at TorkLaw extend our thoughts and prayers to all student victims and their families. There needs to be a thorough investigation into the scope of what happened at Making Waves Academy. It is our sincere hope measures are put in place to prevent this from ever happening again.
Have you or someone that you care about been the victim of sexual abuse at a California School? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of student’s rights advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that victims are aware of their rights and that perpetrators and schools are held to account for their actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, confidential conversation about your situation we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
