A childhood sexual abuse survivor who is suing the state of Tasmania for damages decided to become a teacher so she could protect kids from harm.
Katrina Munting was abused by Marcus James Pollard, her high school science teacher, in the late 1990s when she was a student at Rose Bay High School.
Mrs Munting is also seeking damages from Pollard, who was jailed in 2020 for three years with a non-parole period of 18 months after pleading guilty to persistent sexual abuse of a young person.
Her damage claim in part relates to medical treatment and lost earning capacity. She alleges she lost the opportunity to reach her full career.
Pollard, who hasn't appeared in court despite being called, has filed defence documents in which he denies particular allegations of abuse and that he had an "unlawful relationship" with Mrs Munting.
During the civil trial in the Supreme Court of Tasmania, Mrs Munting said when she was deciding on a career she changed focus from "high-end" science to science teaching.
"Despite wanting to be a scientist, I could be a scientist in education and at the same time protect children," she said on Wednesday.
"For every one person like me ... there was one less person like (Pollard).
"I stand in that classroom and for every hour those students are in my presence, that is one hour they are safe."
Mrs Munting, who has been supported in court by former Australian of the Year and survivor advocate Grace Tame, said she turned down opportunities to study a PhD.
She told the court she would have had to keep studying for five years at the University of Tasmania (UTAS), where Pollard worked at the time.
"The thought of staying at UTAS for five years more rather than two years more. ... (I'd) much prefer two years than five because Pollard was still there," she said.
Mrs Munting, who lives with post-traumatic stress disorder, said she turned down an opportunity to study in Singapore because she was worried about being overseas alone.
She described her daughter's first day of kindergarten as like "sending a lamb to the slaughter".
"I was now sending her somewhere I had no control. To a place that didn't protect me," she said.
Mrs Munting said she was currently unable to work at 100 per cent after throwing herself "boots and all" into teaching to "keep the darkness away".
There were mixed emotions when Pollard didn't appear in court when called on Monday, she said.
"I was angry because he should be here listening to this, he should be accountable. But also relief that I am not going to see that damn man."
She claims the state of Tasmania, Pollard's employer, is liable for his actions.
The judge-only trial continues.
Australian Associated Press
