In Vinnytsia, law enforcement officers detained the founder of a Christian rehabilitation centre suspected of sexual abuse and child molestation. The crimes lasted for more than 15 years, and the victims were at least ten girls aged 8 to 14.
Violence against children in a rehabilitation centre
A large-scale crime has been uncovered in Vinnytsia: the founder of a Christian rehabilitation centre has been detained on suspicion of sexual abuse of children. The institution, established in 2006 to help children in difficult life circumstances, became a place of systematic abuse. For. information Office of the Prosecutor General, The man chose victims from among the girls in each group that met at the centre and used his trust as a teacher to commit the crimes.
According to the investigation, the crimes took place in various premises of the centre: offices, rooms, boiler room, toilet and even during outdoor recreation. The educator intimidated the children with punishments to prevent them from talking about their experiences.
Disclosure of crimes and progress of the investigation
The crimes had been going on since 2006, and it was only in 2021 that the 13-year-old's mother found out about the abuse of her daughter and went to the police. The investigation lasted five years: investigators interviewed dozens of witnesses and former students to collect evidence and establish a complete picture of the events.
To date, at least ten victims have been identified - girls aged 8 to 14 at the time of the crimes. Law enforcement officials do not rule out that the number of victims could be higher.
Legal proceedings and liability
The suspect was detained and served a notice of suspicion on charges of sexual abuse and corruption of minors (Article 153(4), Article 156(1), (2) of the Criminal Code). The court imposed a pre-trial restraint in the form of detention without bail.
The authorities emphasise that the responsibility for the perpetrators will be inevitable and as severe as possible. Especially when the crimes are committed by people who are supposed to protect and support children, but have betrayed their trust and hope.
Why it matters
Cases of violence against children in institutions that are supposed to ensure their safety are particularly resonant for society. They undermine trust in social institutions and demonstrate the need to strengthen control over the activities of such structures.
Identifying and bringing to justice those who use their position to commit crimes against children is an important step towards protecting the rights of the most vulnerable. It is also a signal to parents and society that they need to be vigilant and actively involved in their children's lives.
Successful investigations of such cases can serve as a deterrent to future crimes and contribute to a safer environment for the younger generation.
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