Seeking witnesses with information regarding teacher William (Bill) Alexander Allen

Arnold Thomas & Becker recently settled a landmark matter for our client, who suffered abuse at the hands of notorious pedophile teacher William Allen in the 1970s.

In 1979, our client was just a young boy at Templestowe High School when he was sexually abused by Allen, his teacher at the time.

It wasn’t the first time, and it wouldn’t be the last time, that Allen would sexually and physically assault boys throughout the course of his teaching career.

Allen admitted in a 1973 job application form that he had been convicted of indecency charges relating to two students during a previous teaching stint. Despite this admission, the Victorian Education Department re-employed Allen, who continued to teach in government schools from 1973 until he retired in 1982.

Allen was even known to have ‘bragged’ that he abused over 2,000 boys.

Arnold Thomas & Becker lawyer Angela Di Carluccio said that there are concerns for many more survivors who have not come forward.

“Our client, and possibly thousands of other boys, suffered abuse at the hands of a man who was in a position of power and whom they were supposed to be able to trust.”

“We believe there will be more survivors out there who are suffering in silence. Our client is hoping that in sharing his experience, it will encourage more people to find the courage to speak out.”

Allen taught at:

• Albert Park Highschool
• Geelong Grammar
• Woodstock Presbyterian Girls’ School NSW (now Scots School)
• Champagnat College (Wangaratta)
• Templestowe Highschool.

Additionally, Allen also conducted private music lessons for children. In the 1960s he was convicted of sexually abusing children when he was working as a private music teacher, which he has declared to the Department of Education.

Do you have information?

Despite his death in 1985, it is still crucial to seek witnesses and further information from anyone who may have known, worked with or been taught by Allen throughout the 1960s, 70s and early 80s.

Any information may help us with our investigations into the sexual abuse at the hands of this notorious teacher.

Contact us

Arnold Thomas & Becker urges any witnesses or those with information to come forward. We understand that trauma from sexual abuse is not solved by any dollar amount. However, we will fight for the compensation you deserve to support you in your healing.

For a confidential discussion with a lawyer, call us today on 1300 333 300 or email us at [email protected]

For more information, visit our Institutional Abuse page. To see how we have helped other survivors move forward and find closure, visit our Client Outcomes page.