The “Smile of the Child”, following the case with the 15-year-old girl who was sexually exploited and gave birth in a Rethymnon hospital, informs that after cooperation with the municipality and the competent police authorities and following the order of the prosecutor, the minor remains in hospital, where her mother takes care of her until a suitable place for their accommodation is found and the evidence of her sexual abuse is expanded.

“The Child’s Smile” has been by the side of the 15-year-old and her family from the very beginning and will continue to provide every support for whatever she and her baby need. It provides its specialized services and stands next to every child and adult who has been a victim of physical, sexual and psychological abuse, neglect in Greece, with the same intensity and method, with the aim of holistic support”, say the officials in “Smile of Child”, calling on citizens to be alert for any incident involving a child victim of violence.

It also informs that for any incident, citizens can call the “National Children’s Hotline SOS 1056”, CyberTipLine Hellas to make their report online anonymously, for any child who is in danger or whose rights are violated. Also, for counseling support for children and adults, anyone can call the “European Children’s Helpline 116 111.

It is recalled that the three accused Romanians have been in prison since yesterday by order of the prosecutor and investigator of Rethymnon.

The announcement in detail

“The Child’s Smile”, following the incident with a 14-year-old girl who suffered sexual exploitation and gave birth in a Rethymno hospital, informs about its actions:

  • On 18/01/2024 at his request School where the 14-year-old pregnant woman was studying, a meeting was held with a social worker and then with a psychologist from the Organization with the aim of holistic support for both the family and the minor herself, in this new reality, with appropriate counseling directions, empowerment, relief of the members but also material support.
  • On 02/02/2024 the Organization informed the competent Prosecution Authorities in writing Rethymnon, to investigate the child’s living conditions, due to his vulnerability.
  • On 09/02/2024 the National Children’s Hotline SOS1056 received call from our fellow citizen, who knew from third parties that the minor has probably been sexually abused. He even wanted to make a named complaint to the authorities about what he knew. At the same time, the Prosecutor’s Office, following the written information received from the Organization, ordered a social investigation by a social worker of a public institution.
  • On 02/15/2024, the person who called the Hotline was contacted by phone with the Rethymnon Security Sub-Directorate to report by name what he knew about the minor. Subsequently, the officers of the Rethymnon Security Sub-Directorate discreetly investigated the case.
  • On 03/05/2024, contact was made with the minor in order to investigate her current needs and we were informed that she gave birth prematurely.

In addition, we were informed of her revelation that she had accepted sexual abuse by two adult men, close to 50 years old, who came from the friendly environment of the family.

  • On 06/03/2024, following communication with the Social Service of the Hospital, we were informed that the 14-year-old would be discharged as there was no prosecutor’s order for her to stay, while it was pointed out that there had been reports of an unsafe family environment.

We immediately contacted the officers of the Rethymnon Security Sub-Directorate, pointing out the seriousness of the situation so that her stay could be extended and her living conditions investigated as well as the existence of a support network for her and her infant.

  • On 03/07/2024, in the context of the Organization’s cooperation with the competent Police Authorities of Rethymno, we reported our concerns and also the investigations of the social services regarding the abuse of the minor so that they could be forwarded to the Prosecutor’s Office.

On the same day, we also contacted the Social Service of the Municipality, where inappropriate living conditions at home, lack of documents as well as concerns about the role of the stepfather were reported. Upon prompting by the Organization, the competent Prosecutor was verbally informed about the first assessments from the social investigation that had been carried out so far.
After the cooperation of the Organization with the Municipality and the competent Police Authorities and following the order of the Prosecutor, the minor remains in the hospital, where her mother takes care of her until a suitable accommodation is found for them and the evidence of her sexual abuse is expanded.

“The Child’s Smile” has been by the side of the 14-year-old and her family from the first moment, and will continue to provide every support for whatever she and her baby need.

“The Smile of the Child” provides its specialized services and stands next to every child and adult who has been a victim of physical, sexual and psychological abuse, neglect, etc. in Greece with the same intensity and method with the aim of holistic support. The services are provided free of charge, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

For any incident involving a child victim of violence, call the “National Children’s Hotline SOS 1056”.

At CyberTipLine Hellas you can make your report online, anonymously, for any child whose rights are being violated.

For counseling support for children and adults call the “European Children’s Helpline 116 111”.

More information:
“Child’s smile”
Tel. 11040
[email protected]

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