Conflict of interest claims after chaplain had ‘close relationship’ with alleged victims

The Age can now reveal that Ms Aron’s husband, Raphael Aron, offered two of the alleged victims counselling services in the years after Ms Leifer allegedly sexually assaulted them.

After the regular counselling sessions, the girls would join the Aron family for dinner.

“Shani took these girls into her home,” said one source close to the victims, but who asked not to be named.

“They were distraught and felt betrayed by Shani; they had a close relationship.”

Following 13 years of campaigning, Ms Leifer was extradited from Israel this week, landed in Melbourne on Wednesday evening and faced court on Thursday on 74 charges including rape, indecent assault, sexual penetration of a child and committing an indecent act with a child.

Ms Leifer, who has long maintained she is innocent, did not apply for bail and will remain in custody until her next court appearance on April 9.

Like every prisoner in Victoria, Ms Leifer is entitled to chaplaincy support while in custody.

Ms Aron was this week approved via Corrections Victoria and the Jewish Prison Chaplaincy Victoria, a government-funded charity, to be Ms Leifer’s chaplain.

Members of Melbourne’s Jewish community  voiced concerns that Jewish Prison Chaplaincy Victoria is led by Benjamin Koppel, the president of the Adass community that Ms Leifer was a part of when she fled Australia in 2008.

In response to questions on Wednesday a spokeswoman for Corrections Victoria, a government department, said it had “clear policies” that prevented conflicts of interest for chaplains.

“Any suggestion that Corrections Victoria does not undertake due diligence in relation to these services is refuted in the strongest terms,” the spokeswoman said on Wednesday.

Manny Waks, a long-time advocate and friend of the three victims, said he was shocked Ms Aron had accepted the role as Ms Leifer’s chaplain, and that she was allowed to, after one of the sisters spent years regularly visiting Ms Aron’s home.

“It’s simply outrageous in my opinion,” Mr Waks told The Age.

“For me it’s also a broader reflection on the complexities in addressing sexual abuse within small communities. There are countless conflicts of interest because people know each other, and authorities should be aware of that.”

In response to questions, Ms Aron said in a text message: “I do not have a relationship with any of the three sisters involved in this matter.

“My husband’s professional work is confidential. I am not privy to the identity of his clients nor any dealings he has with them. For any further questions regarding my appointment, please contact Corrections Victoria.”

The ultra-orthodox Adass community comprises about 150 families in Melbourne’s south east, where Ms Leifer was principal of the Adass Israel School. Ms Aron and her husband are part of the Yeshivah community, a similarly ultra-orthodox group with some links to the Adass community.

Corrections Victoria started reviewing Ms Aron’s appointment only after The Age’s reporting and members of the Jewish community voiced concerns. She was removed from the position as chaplain on Friday.

Corrections Victoria “does not discuss individual cases and has nothing to add at this time”, a spokeswoman said on Friday.

Opposition corrections spokesman David Southwick said “the Andrews government must ensure every aspect of this case is handled appropriately”.

Loading

Dr Michelle Meyer, an executive member of the Jewish Community Council of Victoria, said she was pleased Corrections Victoria had reviewed Ms Aron’s appointment.

“We prioritise child protection and in this situation we raised concerns with members of Jewish Prison Chaplaincy Victoria. They were very receptive to our concerns that there was a conflict of interest,” Dr Meyer said.

The difficulties of a tight-knit, ultra-orthodox group were illustrated on Friday when Adass Israel school was force to backtrack on a letter to community members encouraging them to seek help from a psychologist who is likely to be called to give evidence in Ms Leifer’s trial.

If you or anyone you know needs support, you can contact the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service on 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732), Lifeline 131 114, or Beyond Blue 1300 224 636.