Yerevan child support center caregiver faces abuse charges

Armenia’s Investigative Committee has completed its investigation into a case involving a caregiver at Yerevan’s Zatik Child Support Center who allegedly physically abused a minor in their care, causing severe physical pain and psychological suffering.

According to the Investigative Committee, the incident occurred on August 9, 2026, when the caregiver, identified as N.M., allegedly assaulted a child born in 2012 who was receiving round-the-clock care at the center.

The caregiver allegedly found the child in a hallway instead of the bedroom during scheduled sleeping hours and pushed the child into a group room. The caregiver then repeatedly struck the child on the head and other parts of the body with their hands and feet for an extended period, in the presence of other children and staff members, the Investigative Committee said.

Public criminal prosecution was initiated against N.M. under Article 196, Part 2, Clauses 3 and 6 of Armenia’s Criminal Code, which concern inflicting severe physical pain or psychological suffering on a minor.

The caregiver was initially remanded in custody, but the preventive measure was later changed to house arrest.

The case has been sent to the supervising prosecutor for approval of the indictment and subsequent referral to court.