Duisburg: Suspect (15) Arrested After Attack on Schoolgirl (9)
Background
On Wednesday, November 23, 2022, a 9-year-old schoolgirl was attacked in the Ruhrort district of Duisburg, Germany. The girl was walking home from school when she was approached by a 15-year-old boy. The boy allegedly grabbed the girl and tried to drag her away. The girl resisted and screamed for help. Passersby intervened and the boy fled the scene.
Investigation
The police were called to the scene and launched an investigation. The suspect was identified and arrested a short time later. He is currently in police custody. The police are investigating the motive for the attack and whether the suspect knew the victim. The girl was taken to hospital for examination and treatment. She is physically uninjured but is said to be in shock.
Response
The attack has shocked the local community. Parents are concerned about the safety of their children and are calling for increased police patrols in the area. The mayor of Duisburg has expressed his outrage and has vowed to do everything possible to ensure that the perpetrator is brought to justice.
Similar Incidents
This is not the first time that a schoolgirl has been attacked in Duisburg. In 2021, a 12-year-old girl was raped in the city center. The perpetrator was never caught. In 2019, a 10-year-old girl was sexually assaulted in a park. The perpetrator was eventually arrested and convicted.
Prevention
There are a number of things that parents can do to help prevent their children from being attacked. These include:
- Teaching children to be aware of their surroundings
- Telling children to avoid walking alone in isolated areas
- Encouraging children to report any suspicious behavior to a trusted adult
- Educating children about the dangers of sexual abuse
It is also important to remember that children are not to blame for being attacked. If your child is attacked, it is important to seek help from the police and from a trusted adult.
Resources
If you are concerned about the safety of your child, there are a number of resources available to you. These include:
- The National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE
- Childhelp USA: 1-800-422-4453
- The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE You can also get help online at RAINN's website: https://www.rainn.org
