Minister reacts to alleged child harassment at socialization center

A scandal has erupted at the Gruzdžiai Child Socialization Center in Lithuania's Kėdainiai district following allegations of sexual harassment. An employee has been suspended after being accused of sexually harassing a minor. The 14-year-old girl's father reported the incident to the police, initiating a legal investigation.

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Events in Kėdainiai district painfully remind us of what we should not forget for a single day: there is and can be no justification for sexual violence. None. Neither in institutions, nor in families, nor in communities. And especially where we have to protect children.

Minister of Social Security Inga Ruginienė reacted strongly on Facebook, stating there is no justification for sexual violence, especially in institutions meant to protect children. "Every child has the right to grow up in a safe environment. Every young person has the right to be protected from any form of violence," she wrote, stressing the need for zero tolerance in practice, not just in declarations.

Ruginienė announced she would meet with heads of institutions next week to address the issue of sexual violence. "Also, on Monday, together with the responsible institutions, we will discuss what additional steps we need to take to best protect minors from possible sexual violence. We must act immediately, without waiting for new painful cases," she stated.

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Every child has the right to grow up in a safe environment. Every young person has the right to be protected from any form of violence. Therefore, in all institutions working with children and youth, zero tolerance for any manifestations of violence must apply. Not on paper, not in declarations, but in daily practice.

The Gruzdžiai center is a state-run institution for students with delinquent behavior. The center's director, Henrikas Gaidamavičius, told LRT that the minor is receiving support and may be sent on vacation. The Seimas (parliamentary) commission for suicide and violence prevention has visited the center.

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Also, on Monday, together with the responsible institutions, we will discuss what additional steps we need to take to best protect minors from possible sexual violence. We must act immediately, without waiting for new painful cases.