Case of torture in a shelter sent to court in Odesa region

Investigators have sent to court the case of a former caregiver of one of the municipal institutions of the Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi district, which provides comprehensive assistance to children in difficult life circumstances, who is accused of torturing a child.

This was reported by the press service of the Main Directorate of the National Police in Odesa Oblast.

During the pre-trial investigation, investigators found that a 49-year-old teacher at the institution used physical violence against a 6-year-old student. The incident occurred when the boy refused to comply with a request to put on a warmer in a cold room. In response, the woman hit the child and tried to force him to get dressed.

Based on the evidence collected, the defendant was charged with torture. The law defines torture as any intentional act aimed at causing severe physical pain and mental suffering to a person, committed to force them to do something against their will, as well as to punish them for their actions.

At the request of law enforcement officers, the court imposed a measure of restraint on the former teacher in the form of nightly house arrest. She no longer works in the children's institution. If found guilty, she faces imprisonment for a term of three to six years.

In October 2025, a kindergarten teacher in Odesa was fired from her job and her fellow teacher was suspended for the duration of an official inspection for abusing children. The children were forced to hold their hands up and squat when they disobeyed. She was also told that children were pushed and forced to clean toilets, but the information about cleaning was not confirmed.

In June 2025, police officers detained two teenagers in Odesa region for beating a boy, which they filmed on their phones. The incident took place in Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi district at the end of May that year.

Кирило Бойко