138 sexually abused at orphanages

A total of 138 children and adolescents were violated in six orphanages in the central region of Cochabamba, Bolivia, between July 2009 and January this year.

According to newspaper The Times, the latest case was discovered in January this year at the orphanage “Life Bolivia," where it was confirmed that at least 42 children aged four to 13 had been sexually abused by older teenagers who also lived at the same place.

The results of initial research indicate that staff working at the scene knew that abuses took place and were not reported.

But last month, one of the children who lived at the orphanage, escaped and told his mother about the abuse.

According to the testimony of some children, rape was a sort of “baptism” because the newcomers were abused by older teens.