Founder of a Christian rehabilitation center in Vinnytsia region committed child abuse for 15 years
Kyiv • UNN
The founder of the center committed violence against girls aged 8 to 14 for 15 years. Ten victims have been identified, and the perpetrator has been detained without the right to bail. He faces a severe sentence, up to life imprisonment.
For 15 years, the founder of a Christian rehabilitation center committed violence against children. The man has been detained. This was reported by the Prosecutor General of Ukraine Ruslan Kravchenko, according to UNN.
Details
The institution was established in 2006 as a place where children in difficult life circumstances were supposed to find support and help.
Instead, the founder turned trust into an instrument of crime
From each group that systematically gathered at the facility, numbering from 25 to 50 children, the man selected victims among the girls. He then exploited their trust in him as an educator, intentionally remained alone with a child, and committed acts of violence.
Virtually every corner of the center became a crime scene: the office, rooms, boiler room, toilet, and even outdoor retreats. At the same time, the "educator" intimidated the children with punishments so they would not resist and would remain silent about what they experienced. The violence continued for 15 years from the moment the center was established. It was only in 2021 that the mother of a 13-year-old ward learned about the abuse of her daughter and turned to law enforcement
The investigation lasted five years. Investigators interviewed dozens of witnesses and former wards of the center to gather evidence and establish an objective picture of everything that happened.
Ten victims have been identified—girls who were between 8 and 14 years old at the time the crimes were committed. We do not rule out that there may be more victims
The so-called "educator" has been detained. He has been notified of suspicion of sexual violence and the corruption of minors (Part 4 of Art. 153, Parts 1 and 2 of Art. 156 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). The sanctions of these articles provide for severe punishment, including long prison terms (up to 15 years or life imprisonment).
The court has chosen a preventive measure in the form of detention without the right to bail.
Responsibility will be inevitable and as harsh as possible. Because those who hide behind a noble goal to commit crimes against children betray everything: trust, hope, and humanity itself
The investigation is currently ongoing.