Published: 28 February 2023
Last updated: 5 March 2024
A woman allegedly sexually abused by former ultra-Orthodox teacher Malka Leifer told a counsellor she was told the abuse was to help get her over her neediness.
By AAP
A former ultra-Orthodox Jewish school principal accused of raping three sisters allegedly told one of her accusers that she was helping her to get over her neediness.
Malka Leifer is facing 29 charges over the alleged sexual abuse of Melbourne sisters Nicole Meyer, Dassi Erlich and Elly Sapper when she was head of religion and principal of the Adass Israel School in the city's eastern suburbs.
Leifer, a mother of eight, has pleaded not guilty and is standing trial in the Victorian County Court.
Allegations of abuse were first made against Leifer in 2008. In March that year Ms Sapper saw a clinical psychologist and discussed her own experience with Leifer, the jury was told on Monday.
Vicki Gordon said she saw Ms Sapper over several months and she disclosed that Leifer would touch her all over her body and even though Leifer knew from the beginning that she didn't like it, she would continue.
"She told me it was because I never had any warmth and affection from home - I was more needy than other girls and she was trying to help me get over it," Dr Gordon read from her notes, quoting Ms Sapper.
Leifer, 56, is accused of raping all three women, now in their 30s. Other charges include indecent assault and sexual penetration of a child aged 16 or 17 who was under her care or supervision.
Court was closed for two weeks while the three women gave evidence in the trial and re-opened on Monday.
Ms Erlich's former husband Joshua Erlich said his then-wife had used "glowing terms" when speaking about Ms Leifer and his wife would speak with her about the things going on in her life.
