Former physical education teacher is notified of suspicion of raping boys: advice to parents on how to avoid hidden threats
The terrible incident in Kharkiv once again drew attention to the issues of children’s safety in educational institutions. A former physical education teacher who committed crimes against his students for several years was arrested after trying to hide in a monastery. This case is a scary reminder to parents that even in school, a place that should be safe for children, threats can exist. So how can you protect your child and avoid such tragedies?
The former physical education teacher was informed of suspicion of rape and lewd acts against boys. Law enforcement officers exposed a man who for three years evaded responsibility for sexual crimes he committed in Kharkiv with his students, who were under 14 years old. At the same time, he tried to hide from the investigation in a monastery in the Ternopil region. About this reported Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine.
“According to the investigation, in 2018-2021, the suspect worked as a physical education teacher in various educational institutions of the city. Investigators established that during this period he repeatedly committed sexual acts against schoolchildren. Three boys became victims.
In 2018, the suspect worked at a gymnasium and raped a 12-year-old student in the gym. After that, he resigned and got a job at a school, where in 2019 and 2021 he committed lewd acts against two students aged 11 and 13.
Later, the suspect quit his job and moved to live in a men’s monastery in the Ternopil region.
The suspect has now been detained. The man was informed of the suspicion of committing lewd acts and rape of minors (Part 4 of Article 152, Part 2 of Article 156 of the Criminal Code).
In the near future, the court should choose a preventive measure for the defendant. The prosecutor’s office demands the detention of the suspect”, – the message says.
How to avoid such cases: advice for parents
- Establish a trusting relationship with the child
Communicate regularly with your child about their school life, friends and teachers. It is important that the child is not afraid to talk about his experiences or unusual situations. Teach the child that no one, not even adults, has the right to violate his personal boundaries. - Teach children to recognize danger
Explain to the child that he has the right to refuse any actions that cause him discomfort or fear. Conversations about safety should be regular and accessible to the child. - Be attentive to changes in the child’s behavior
If the child suddenly becomes withdrawn, loses interest in certain activities or begins to avoid certain people, you should pay attention to this. This may be a signal that she is in danger. - Take an active part in school life
Communicate with other parents, teachers, and school administrators. Your active participation will help to better control the situation and identify possible problems in the early stages. - Regular discussions with teachers
Ask about your child’s behavior at school, relationships with classmates and teachers. If you notice unusual moments or actions of a teacher, do not hesitate to contact the management of the educational institution or law enforcement agencies. - Don’t ignore suspicions
If you have suspicions about the behavior of a teacher or other adults at school, do not ignore them. It is better to play it safe and contact specialists than to risk the safety of the child.
