Over the 9 months of the current year in the Republic of Belarus, the number of crimes against the sexual inviolability of children detected by law enforcement officers increased by 52.5% (from 354 to 540). In almost half of the cases, young children were the victims.
Over the 9 months of the current year in the Republic of Belarus, the number of crimes against the sexual inviolability of children detected by law enforcement officers increased by 52.5% (from 354 to 540). In almost half of the cases, young children were the victims.
One of the high-profile cases was detected in the city of Orsha this year: operatives identified a 26-year-old unemployed resident of Orsha, who befriended underage girls on the social network "VKontakte" in various groups, as well as in the Telegram messenger. He then engaged in correspondence of a sexual nature, sending his nude photographs, and also, under various pretexts, coaxed nude photographs from the minors. In total, more than 50 minors suffered from the pedophile's activities in the Vitebsk region alone. Several criminal cases have been initiated against the man under Article 169 (depraved acts) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus.
In addition to such scenarios, there are frequent cases where, after receiving nude photographs of minors, the offender begins to blackmail the minor by threatening to post the obtained photo materials in public view.
Parents play an important role in the prevention and detection of crimes of this category in their daily lives, thanks to their constant contact and trusting communication with their children (for example, a parent can notice any changes in a child's behavior and find out the reason for such changes).
It should be noted what parents need to know and do so that their children do not become victims of a criminal.
How to recognize a pedophile?
- It is almost impossible to recognize and see by external signs. Outwardly, they appear as quiet homebodies who live ordinary lives, often without bad habits. Their sexual disorder is unnoticeable. However, there are signs that give reason to pay attention and help identify a pedophile. For example, a children's den - an apartment or house where children constantly gather. Here they may smoke, play strip poker, drink alcohol, and make noise. Another clear sign of a pedophile
– possession of child "pornographic photos or videos" on their gadget, mobile device.
What parents need to do and know to prevent disaster?
- You need to trust your children. There are cases when a child talks about sexual abuse. Parents know, but do nothing. They think, "this cannot be, because a good neighbour does not drink, does not smoke, holds a high responsible position." They do not report to the police, and the abuse continues. Time is running out. Evidence is being destroyed. The abuser escapes. In such a situation, do not try to sort it out yourselves under any circumstances.
You need to talk to your child about the concept of "bad touch." They should understand that strangers should not touch or stroke them. If this happens, they should tell their parents. Children should know that they should not send intimate photos to anyone. In the future, restraint will protect the younger generation from blackmail by a paedophile.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Belarus has developed the website "Pomogut.by," one of whose areas is the protection of children, including on the Internet.
Article 168 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus provides for responsibility for crimes against the sexual inviolability of children.
— According to Article 168 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus, sexual intercourse, sodomy, lesbianism, or other sexual acts committed by a person who has reached the age of eighteen with a person who is knowingly under the age of sixteen, in the absence of signs of crimes provided for by Articles 166 and 167 of the Criminal Code, shall be punished by restriction of liberty for up to four years or by imprisonment for the same term with a fine.
Innovations may be introduced into the legislation in the sphere of combating paedophilia in the near future.
— The Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Belarus is currently actively advocating for the legislative initiative to criminalise the act of storing pornographic materials depicting minors. Currently, responsibility under criminal law is provided only for their production, distribution, and display.
If you have been a victim of sexual violence or have information about cases of paedophilia, please report it to the Lepel District Department of Internal Affairs by calling: 3-48-84, 3-20-83, +375297102789 MTS or 102.