Former Vt. school bus driver pleads guilty to child sexual abuse
Former Vt. school bus driver pleads guilty to child sexual abuse WCAX
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Burlington School Bus Driver Sentenced for Sexual Abuse of Young Boys
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BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – A former South Burlington school bus driver was sentenced on Monday after pleading guilty to sexually abusing young boys.
Jerry Normandin, 63, of Milton, pleaded guilty to two counts of lewd and lascivious conduct with a child and was sentenced to five to 15 years in prison, of which he must serve at least three.
It follows two instances of sexual abuse of young boys. Prosecutors say Normandin abused a boy under 13 numerous times in the mid-2000s at his home in Milton. Years later, they say while driving a school van, he sexually abused a 15-year-old boy with developmental disabilities.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Implications:
- Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being – The sexual abuse inflicted by Jerry Normandin has had severe impacts on the victims’ mental health, leading to suicidal ideation and depression.
- Goal 4: Quality Education – The incident involving a school bus driver highlights the importance of ensuring the safety and protection of children within educational settings.
- Goal 5: Gender Equality – Sexual abuse affects both boys and girls, emphasizing the need for equal protection and support for all victims.
- Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – The legal proceedings and sentencing of Jerry Normandin demonstrate the commitment to justice and accountability for perpetrators of sexual abuse.
Victim impact statements say Normandin’s abuse created suicidal ideation, depression and that he destroyed their lives.
“I cannot imagine what this has done to him and what this will continue to do to him. You have a lifetime sex offender registration requirement but this thing that you did to both of these people is going to be carried with them for the rest of their lives,” Vt. Superior Court Judge Alison Sheppard Arms said.
One of the victims spoke in the courtroom, saying how glad he is that Normandin is going to prison.
“That’s why I’m here in person. I wasn’t going to come today. I am only here just to forgive him for what he’s done. I don’t have any objections to the new agreement, although I do wish he was incarcerated for longer,” the victim said.
According to the plea deal reached with the state, Normandin will serve at least three years behind bars.
“This sentence is insufficient in terms of addressing the real and lifelong harm you have caused to both of these people,” Judge Sheppard said.
Normandin will also be on the sex offender registry for the rest of his life.
“I’m extremely sorry for what has happened,” Normindin said. “I’m just anxious to serve my sentence and get on with my life.”
When Normandin was arrested, the South Burlington School District placed him on administrative leave. They say that they perform background checks on all employees which is legally required by all public and independent schools in Vermont.
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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 4: Quality Education | Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including among others through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles | No specific indicators mentioned in the article |
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation | No specific indicators mentioned in the article |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status | No specific indicators mentioned in the article |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions | Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children | No specific indicators mentioned in the article |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
The issues highlighted in the article are related to child sexual abuse, which intersects with various Sustainable Development Goals. SDG 4 focuses on quality education and ensuring that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development. SDG 5 addresses gender equality and aims to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls. SDG 10 aims to reduce inequalities and promote social, economic, and political inclusion for all individuals. SDG 16 focuses on peace, justice, and strong institutions, including ending abuse and violence against children.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including among others through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles
- Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation
- Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status
- Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children
Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are Target 4.7 under SDG 4, Target 5.2 under SDG 5, Target 10.2 under SDG 10, and Target 16.2 under SDG 16. These targets address the need for education on sustainable development, the elimination of violence against women and girls, the promotion of inclusion and reduction of inequalities, and the prevention of abuse and violence against children.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
No specific indicators are mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. The article primarily focuses on reporting the sentencing of a former school bus driver for sexually abusing young boys and the impact it had on the victims.
However, to measure progress towards these targets, potential indicators could include the number of educational programs implemented on sustainable development, the prevalence of violence against women and girls, the level of social and economic inclusion for marginalized groups, and the incidence of child abuse and exploitation.
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: wcax.com
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