Finnish court dismisses abuse charges against care worker accused of assaulting disabled children

A district court in Finland has dismissed all charges against a care worker accused of repeatedly assaulting disabled children at a residential facility in Espoo, ruling that the evidence was contradictory.

According to a report by Finnish public broadcaster Yle, the Länsi-Uusimaa District Court acquitted the 59-year-old woman, who had been accused of seven counts of assault between November 20, 2021, and May 30, 2022. The alleged victims—seven residents aged 11 to 16 with developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, and psychiatric conditions—could not testify directly and were represented by legal guardians.

The prosecution claimed the worker had struck an 11-year-old with a plastic bucket, slapped a 16-year-old in the face, grabbed two teens forcefully by the neck, and hit another with a wet cloth. One victim sought compensation, stating the abuse had severely impacted their well-being, causing long-term shame and a sense of violated dignity.

Three colleagues reported the incidents, testifying that residents were mocked and treated degradingly. While staff are permitted to restrain residents when necessary, witnesses said unnecessary slapping and pushing occurred. The accused denied the allegations, arguing she had only intervened to prevent conflicts, such as blocking a resident from taking another’s food. She admitted lifting the bucket near a child’s head but claimed it did not make contact.

Five other employees supported the defendant, describing her as professional and rule-abiding. She attributed workplace tensions to three new hires, citing serious conflicts among staff. The court ultimately dismissed all charges and compensation claims due to inconsistent evidence. The ruling is not yet final.