For cases of sexual violence in schools in Bogotá, 154 cases have been opened against teachers

The Ministry of Education of Bogotá announced that, to date, there are 659 alarms of possible sexual violence involving minors throughout the city, of which 154 cases were reported in both public and private schools, and are already being investigated.

According to the Secretary of Education, Edna Bonilla, these reports have been dealt with in a timely manner. However, he noted that, as more cases come to light in the city, reports of sexual harassment or abuse in schools in Bogotá increase. Faced with the panorama, the official called on parents and students not to let these events go by and report to the appropriate authorities.

The official then explained that, of the 154 disciplinary proceedings opened to public servants for alleged sexual violence against minors, 85% were complaints involving girls between the ages of 13 and 17, while 11% were from primary or pre-school students.

The Secretary of Education also added that, to date, among the types of sexual violence being investigated are: carnal access or abusive sexual act with a person unable to resist, abusive carnal access with children under 14 years of age, abusive sexual act, sexual harassment and disrespect. For these events, the official highlighted that 54 teachers have been removed from their posts.

“As Secretary, through various communications, I have expressed to the Attorney General of the Nation our willingness to continue strengthening joint work that contributes to reducing the time of criminal proceedings, just as we are reducing the time for disciplinary proceedings within the entity, respecting the fundamental rights of all. We expect, however, greater speed in the processes and joint and articulated work,” said Bonilla regarding the situation.

In the context of these complaints, the Secretary of Education also reported that the entity launched a series of measures, in order not only to prevent cases of sexual violence in the city's schools, but also to respond to complaints in a timely manner.

As Bonilla explained, among the measures taken, 200 new school counselors were linked so that children and young people can report any case of sexual violence, and an interdisciplinary work team was created, which will be responsible for dealing with complaints filed as a matter of priority.

Likewise, he reported that “the team of lawyers and psychologists for the Office of Internal Disciplinary Control was strengthened to speed up cases of sexual abuse in schools”, just as it was established that, in the cases of teaching and administrative officials involved in such acts, they will be imposed “the most drastic according to the law”.

The Secretary of Education concluded by reiterating its rejection of any act of violence against students, while urging both parents, officials and boys, girls and young people, to report any criminal act that infringes minors, in order to initiate legal action.

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