TIRANA, June 2 – As the abuse scandal at the children’s home in Shkodra still echoes, a fresh scandal has hit social centers in the northern city.
Local authorities said on Wednesday they found out that three adult patients at a state center for mentally disabled persons had been sexually abused.
The sexually abused women had remained pregnant and were forced to abort their babies, the prosecution office said in a statement.
Investigations also revealed that patients at the mental health center were subjected to systematic physical violence.
Police detained Juliana Cepi, the director of the center, and Aida Ymeraj, a nurse, which prosecutors consider responsible for the inhumane treatment of the patients after a two-week investigation.
Meanwhile, authorities are still working to identify other potential cases of abuse as well as the responsibilities of staff, whose negligence has led to the sexual abuse of mentally disabled patients and their subsequent illegal abortions.
About two weeks ago, another foster care scandal involving physical, psychological and sexual abuse of minors was uncovered by authorities in the northern city of Shkodra following an inquiry by the Ombudsman.
The report contained shocking episodes of abuse with minors by caregivers at the children’s home.
Children, between the ages of six and fourteen were beaten with sticks or leg chairs and forced to clean the building, while three underage girls were sexually abused.
The former director of the center together with several caregivers was arrested as a result.
The latest scandals registered at state social centers throughout the country have highlighted the need for a thorough reformation of the social care system in Albania.
