Children’s charity says it will assist sexual abuse investigation

Well-known children’s charity Ark of the World (Kivotos tou Kosmou) issued a statement on Thursday saying it had no knowledge of allegations of child sexual abuse in one of its structures but would assist in the investigation of them.

Media reported on Thursday that the charity us under investigation for abuse following the findings of an inquiry by the Greek Ombudsman.

It is understood that a 19 year old who was once in the care of the charity made the allegations.  

“We unequivocally condemn such incidents and assure that the Ark of the World and its social services will assist the authorities in investigating the accusations,” it said.

“We declare that if it becomes clear that if personnel at Ark of the World bear responsibility, we will take the necessary measures and suffer the consequences.”

A senior prosecutor is expected to order an investigation into the leaking of the case file on the alleged sexual abuse. The head of the first instance prosecutor’s office, Nikos Eleftherianos, is expected to order on Friday a preliminary examination into the leak of material from the case file.

Meanwhile, the Employment Ministry said it was suspending an offer to Ark of the World to use a premises owned by the Single Social Security Entity (EFKA) until the matter has been cleared up.

According to its website, Ark of the World provides “special care and protection to mothers and children … It is first and foremost intended and addressed to young unprotected children, most of whom come from single-parent families, and to many children without parents, who experience difficult circumstances, neglect, abandonment, lack of medical care and uncertain future.”