An analysis of the situation concerning the detection and suppression of crimes against the sexual inviolability and sexual freedom of minors (paedophilia) indicates that they are highly latent, meaning the overwhelming majority of victims, for various reasons, do not independently approach law enforcement agencies. This allows perpetrators to commit sexual crimes against minors for years and evade responsibility.
An analysis of the situation concerning the detection and suppression of crimes against the sexual inviolability and sexual freedom of minors (paedophilia) indicates that they are highly latent, meaning the overwhelming majority of victims, for various reasons, do not independently approach law enforcement agencies, which allows perpetrators to commit sexual crimes against minors for years and evade responsibility.
However, paedophilia-related crime is becoming an increasingly urgent and topical problem in the country, despite the active offensive measures taken by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Behind every crime lie the lives and destinies of minors.
Considering the highly latent nature of these crimes, their particular relevance, and public intolerance towards them, all state bodies, including educational institutions, must contribute to combating this negative social phenomenon. It is practically impossible for the Ministry of Internal Affairs alone to eradicate and "nullify" this negative phenomenon.
By studying the best practices in combating paedophilia, using the example of Minsk Region, it can be stated that the active participation of employees of educational institutions provides significant assistance to the Ministry of Internal Affairs staff in the fight against paedophilia.
Objectively, due to the high latency of these crimes and public intolerance, many families conceal paedophilia issues, preferring not to "air their dirty laundry." Only a teacher, as the specialist closest to minors, is capable of noticing deviations in a child's behaviour, including those related to sexual violence.
In this regard, the Lepel District Department of Internal Affairs requests that employees of educational institutions, as well as individuals possessing any information about violent acts against minors, do not turn a blind eye but immediately transmit any such information.
information (even if educators deem it insignificant) to the Department of Internal Affairs.The legal aspect of this situation should also be noted:
Crimes related to combating paedophilia, according to the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus, are classified as grave crimes. Failure by an individual to provide information to law enforcement agencies about known facts of paedophilia may result in criminal liability under Article 406 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus, which stipulates a penalty of imprisonment for up to two years.
For reference
Article 406. Failure to Report a Crime
1. Failure to report a reliably known commission of an especially grave crime, or a reliably known person who has committed such a crime, or the whereabouts of such a person -
shall be punishable by public works, or a fine, or arrest.
2. Failure to report a reliably known impending grave or especially grave crime -
shall be punishable by a fine, or correctional labour for up to two years, or arrest, or restriction of liberty for up to two years, or imprisonment for the same term.
Only through the active cooperation of all state bodies can we together protect our children from violence by paedophiles, preserve our reputation and the reputation of the authorities in the eyes of the population of our country.
Any information regarding possible facts of violence against children and youth can be reported by you by calling: 3-48-84, 3-20-83, MTS 375297102789 or 102.