Increase in Crimes Against Children, Prosecutor's Office Reports

The Republic of Armenia's Prosecutor General's Office has investigated the legality of pre-trial criminal proceedings concerning crimes committed against children and the effectiveness of the prosecution's oversight in these cases.

The findings reveal that cases of crimes against children are on the rise, both in the regions of the republic and in Yerevan. Specifically, in 2019, there were 204 reports of crimes against children; in 2020, this number rose to 259; and in 2021, it reached 292.

The predominant types of crimes against children continue to be physical assault, infliction of severe physical pain or mental suffering, sexual relations with a person under the age of 16, committing indecent acts against children, obstructing parental visitation rights, maliciously evading child support, among others. During 2021, a total of 90 criminal cases related to crimes against children were sent to court with an accusatory conclusion against 101 individuals.

Approximately 52% of those criminally prosecuted for such offenses were between the ages of 18 and 35, while 40% were older than 35. Notably, the study indicates that about 40% of crimes against children were committed by individuals who are ostensibly responsible for the children's upbringing.

There has been a yearly increase in the number of minors reporting crimes committed against them to the police, personally visiting police stations to file reports. In 2020, there were only 2 such cases, while in 2021 the number increased to 11. Analysis of these reports shows that notifications by children under 16 generally related to physical violence inflicted by those obligated to raise the child.

It is no secret that children constitute the most vulnerable and unprotected segment of society, requiring special protection tailored to their age, level of maturity, and individual needs. Within the framework of ensuring such protection, the Prosecutor's Office of the Republic of Armenia is employing all the tools at its disposal.

As a result of the study conducted, the Prosecutor's Office has aimed to enhance the thoroughness of investigations into reports of crimes against minors, regardless of the age of the victims. This includes ensuring that the child's right to be heard is upheld even if the legal representative of the victim does not lodge a complaint.

Cases in which the alleged perpetrator of a crime against a minor is their parent or another individual responsible for their upbringing must also be thoroughly investigated. The obligations of these individuals toward the child, including any failures to fulfill these responsibilities, should receive appropriate legal scrutiny.

Furthermore, it is essential to organize biannual operational consultations led by the heads of the territorial divisions of the Prosecutor's Office, including representatives from relevant state agencies responsible for the protection of children's rights. These meetings are intended to discuss the documented cases of crimes against children during the preceding half-year and assess the completeness of the authorities’ actions related to these cases, identify factors contributing to crime commission, and determine necessary measures to resolve existing issues.