At the Collège d’Enseignement Général (CEG) de Gouka, in the commune of Bantè, a math teacher has been taken into custody for alleged sexual harassment of a 14-year-old pupil in class 6ᵉ.
The affair, which sparked outrage, led local authorities to seize the forces of law and order in order to get to the bottom of the situation.
Suspicions confirmed by the investigation
Alerted by members of the young victim’s entourage, local officials quickly informed the Gouka police station, triggering an investigation. Investigations established that the teacher was indeed involved in an inappropriate relationship with the pupil.
On the basis of the evidence gathered, the teacher was presented to the Savalou court prosecutor, who ordered that he be remanded in custody pending further investigation.
A persistent scourge despite awareness campaigns
This tragedy once again highlights the persistence of sexual harassment in schools, a phenomenon that compromises the development and safety of students, particularly young girls.
Despite the efforts of the Ministry of Social Affairs, the Institut National de la Femme (INF) and numerous organizations committed to protecting children’s rights, these abuses continue to be reported.
This case is a reminder of the urgent need to step up awareness campaigns and implement stricter measures to prevent such behavior in schools.
Understanding sexual harassment
Sexual harassment refers to any form of pressure, verbal or physical, aimed at forcing a person to make comments or perform acts of a sexual nature without their consent. It can take various forms, including :
- Inappropriate remarks or insults of a sexual nature
- Inappropriate gestures or unwanted contact
- Sending sexual messages, photos or videos
- Using intimidation to obtain sexual favors
Often downplayed or trivialized, sexual harassment is a punishable offence. In Benin, judicial authorities and child protection agencies are stepping up their efforts to combat this phenomenon and guarantee a safe environment for schoolchildren.