A primary school student in Barcelona’s Sants district has missed over 60 days of classes after reporting a sexual assault by a classmate. The incident, which allegedly occurred two years ago during a school trip, has led his family to demand immediate and effective solutions for his re-schooling.

The student, currently in sixth grade, reported the assault on 8 February. His family promptly informed the school in Sants the following day. The school initially activated its protocol for educational violence, separating the two children involved.

However, the Inspection service revoked this measure three days later. Pedro, the victim’s brother, stated, “They gave us no explanation for the decision.” Sources familiar with the case told El País that the other student’s family raised concerns about the impact of the segregation measures.

Family Rejects Proposed Solutions

The family has rejected proposed solutions from the school and the Consorci d’Educació de Barcelona. These included a class change for the victim, a ‘protective measures map’ to isolate contact within the same class, or remote schooling. Pedro explained, “They offer us the same: a change of class or leaving the school.”

This ongoing dispute highlights the challenges within the educational system when addressing complex situations. These cases often involve the accounts of two minors, the need to protect all parties, and the difficulty of acting without a clear determination of facts. The victim’s family insists their son, as a victim of sexual violence, does not receive necessary institutional support.

Barnahus Takes Over Case

The Consorci d’Educació de Barcelona, which manages public schools in the city, confirmed the case is now with Barnahus. This integrated unit specialises in supporting child and adolescent victims of sexual violence. Barnahus contacted the family on 23 March.

Officials at the Consorci d’Educació, in response to El País, stated, “Given these facts, which the students say took place two years ago and between students then in fourth grade, we have considered that, to preserve the rights of the minors involved, a specialised and expert service should manage the case.” Barnahus now provides follow-up to ensure “emotional, social, and academic well-being.”

Despite this, the victim’s first specialised psychological support appointment did not occur until 7 April, according to Pedro. The family continues to review new proposals following a recent meeting with the Consorci.

Mother Files Formal Complaint

The mother of the victim filed a formal complaint with the Consorci d’Educació in late March. She accused the school of “not assuming responsibility” for events that happened under its supervision during the fourth-grade school trip. She also criticised the lack of alternative solutions offered.

In her written complaint, the mother expressed deep concern about her son’s well-being. She stated, “My son is increasingly sad and depressed.” She demanded his “immediate” re-incorporation without sharing an classroom with the alleged aggressor. She formally communicated “the extreme seriousness that the situation is having on the minor at an emotional, psychosocial, and academic level.”

Systemic Challenges in Child Protection

Protocols from the Department of Education, Catalonia’s regional education authority, stress the importance of believing the victim, protecting them, and referring them to specialised units for long-term follow-up. However, sources admit difficulties in applying these principles when narratives are subject to different interpretations, even if not necessarily contradictory.

The school, located in the densely populated Sants neighbourhood of Barcelona, home to over 180,000 residents, declined to comment to El País. This situation affects not only the immediate families but also raises broader questions about child protection in Barcelona’s educational institutions. It impacts residents and parents seeking safe and supportive learning environments for their children.

As the family considers its next steps, the Consorci d’Educació maintains that the educational environment must offer protective measures and guarantees for both students involved. However, the victim remains out of school, awaiting a resolution that ensures his safety and right to education.

Sign up for our new entrepreneurs community Bizcelona, now accepting our second wave of applicants.

Originally published by El País Barcelona. Read original article.