Cariacica School Teacher Suspended Amid Sexual Harassment Allegations by Teen Students

At least eight adolescent girls, aged 12 to 14, have reported sexual harassment by a Physical Education teacher at a municipal school in Cariacica, Espírito Santo, Brazil. The teacher, who also served as the school's coordinator, has been suspended from his duties following the accusations. The Civil Police have opened an inquiry into the case, with the local Child Protective Services also involved. The identities of the teacher, school, and neighborhood are being withheld to protect the victims, as mandated by the Child and Adolescent Statute. The alleged incidents occurred between late May and early June. Reports indicate that the eight students experienced various forms of abuse within the school premises. Two victims have officially provided statements, and more students are expected to testify, with authorities anticipating further reports after school resumes as some students may still be fearful. One victim's father reported that the teacher had threatened his daughter for about a month to prevent her from speaking out, allegedly stating, "If you tell anyone, worse things could happen." The student also reported the teacher pursued her to the girls' restroom and, on one occasion, squeezed her neck. A child protection counselor noted that some students came forward only after being encouraged by peers who had also experienced similar abuse, describing acts such as inappropriate touching of intimate areas and forceful kissing. The Municipal Secretariat of Education confirmed the teacher's suspension upon receiving the complaint and initiated an internal administrative procedure. The Civil Police's Specialized Delegation for the Protection of Children and Adolescents is conducting a confidential investigation. The teacher, a permanent employee of the Serra municipality since 2010, has been working in Cariacica through an exchange program since November of the previous year, with no prior formal complaints registered in Serra.