On February 11 this year, a 12-year-old girl reported abdominal pain to a medical facility, leading to the discovery that she was pregnant. The girl, born in 2013, raised alarms regarding potential sexual abuse, prompting an immediate criminal investigation by the regional police department in Vidzeme for offenses against morality and sexual inviolability. The case has raised serious concerns about the welfare of minors in Latvia, especially regarding sexual exploitation and the protection measures in place for children.

Following the revelation, on February 14, police arrested a 2003-born man, who is suspected of being involved in the abuse. On February 16, a court granted police the necessity of pre-trial detention for the suspect. Authorities have not released additional details regarding the investigation, emphasizing that no one is considered guilty until proven otherwise in a court of law, highlighting the legal principle of presumption of innocence. The situation underscores urgent issues around safeguarding minors from sexual violence and ensuring that all cases of potential child abuse are thoroughly investigated.

This incident comes as part of ongoing discussions in Latvia regarding the adequacy of social services and legal frameworks in protecting vulnerable children. The medical professionals who reported the case after treating the young girl have been pivotal in bringing attention to this distressing issue, indicating a need for greater training and awareness in handling such sensitive cases. The government and society face the pressing challenge of providing better support systems and preventive measures to safeguard children against sexual offenses and ensure their wellbeing.