Panama Uncovers Sexual Abuse of Minors in Public Shelters
Published 12 February 2021
A Parliamentary investigation revealed that dozens of Panamanian minors were sexually abused and physically and psychologically mistreated by their caretakers in at least 12 state-owned shelters over the last four years.
"The state of neglect these children suffered is shocking. They weren't treated like humans," said lawmaker Walkiria Chandler, a member of the Parliament's commission that conducted the inquiry.
After six months of investigations, the Women, Children, Youth, and Family Commission proved that the children and adolescents were abused, especially those ones with disabilities.
Parliament began investigating the facts after a local outlet denounced in August 2020 irregularities suffered by a group of minors in the 'Vida Libre' shelter, in the Panama Province.
More:
https://www.telesurenglish.net/news/Panama-Sexual-Abuse-of-Minors-in-State-Run-Shelters-Uncovered-20210212-0007.html
