Children forcibly moved and dragged on the floor, tied to chairs, threats and screams. It all happened within the four walls of a private nursery in the center of the city of Verona, now under seizure.
It is the terrible truth that is arriving in these hours, that of violence against children aged from 9 months to 3 years, for which 5 teachers have been banned.
A provision from the judge for preliminary investigations which comes at the end of an investigation launched last December by the Carabinieri, with the support of the Nas of Padua, following the suspicion of mistreatment of children in that kindergarten. The seizure of the property was ordered to immediately stop any harmful conduct and allow further investigations.
According to what emerged from the investigations – which were also based on the analysis of numerous video recordings – the children were in some cases violently moved, jerked, left in detention or immobilized in high chairs. In other situations, shouting, threats and behavior deemed inappropriate for the educational context were documented, as well as possible violations of hygiene rules. Among the most delicate episodes being examined by investigators is that of a little girl made to sleep in a dark closet.
These are serious accusations, which will have to be fully clarified during the judicial proceedings, respecting the rights of all the people involved. In the meantime, the Verona Prosecutor’s Office has reiterated its willingness to listen to parents and gather any useful elements in the search for the truth, at a time understandably full of concern for families.
Events like this remind us of how fundamental it is to guarantee educational environments that are safe, respectful and capable of protecting the fragility of childhood, strengthening training and a culture of care. Because the trust that parents entrust to those who take care of their children is a precious asset, which must be safeguarded with the utmost responsibility.
