Victims of a sexual predator who offended in at least seven North East primary schools are being encouraged to come forward and speak to police.
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The Wodonga Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team has been looking into a string of historical cases in Victoria which took place between 1960 to 1992.
Detective Leading Senior Constable Dave Bruce said the investigation was sparked when a former student from one of the North East Primary Schools came forward in 2013.
It is believed a single offender molested children from Bandiana, Melrose, Kiewa Valley, Dederang, Myrtleford, Yackandandah and Beechworth primary schools in the 70s, 80s and 90s.
Before that time, in the 60s and early 70s at least six schools further south were also targeted including Sebastopol, Vite Vite North, Carranballac, Ballarat, Linton and Wendouree primary schools.
Detective Bruce said he understands how difficult it can be for victims to come forward.
"Historically, victims of sexual assault are reluctant to come forward and we are acutely aware of that," he said.
"We want people to understand this is being done in their best interest and anything they tell us will be taken seriously, will be treated with respect and will be confidential.
"We want to not only speak to victims, but to potential witnesses as well.
"It's a big part of the investigation into sexual assaults.
"People who witnessed it, or were told about it, are just as crucial to the investigation."
Anyone who may have attended the primary schools during the time-frame listed should contact detective Bruce at Wodonga SOCIT on (02) 60492670 or email dave.bruce@police.vic.gov.au.
Police wish to speak to students who attended the following Victorian schools in the defined time periods:
Wodonga Area:
Bandiana Primary School: 1/1/1975 - 31/12/1978
Melrose Primary School : 1/1/1979 - 31/12/1979
Bandiana Primary School: 1/1/1980 - 6/9/1981
Kiewa Valley Primary School: 7/9/1981 - 31/12/1981
Dederang Primary School: 1/1/1982 - 31/12/1982
Myrtleford Primary School: 1/1/1983 - 31/12/1985
Yackandandah Primary School: 1/1/1986 - 31/12/1987
Beechworth: 1/1/1988 - 21/8/1992
Ballarat Area:
Sebastopol Primary School: 1/1/1960 - 13/2/1960
Vite Vite Primary School: 14/2/1960 - 23/5/1960
Carranballac Primary School: 24/5/1960 - 31/12/1960
Ballarat Primary School: 1/1/1961 - 31/12/1968
Linton Primary School: 1/1/1969 - 31/12/1971
Wendouree Primary School: 1/1/1972 - 31/12/1972
