Trial begins for former social worker accused of sexual abuse

The accused, who worked for the social services office of a major southern municipality, is alleged to have harassed women whose files he was handling. The alleged incidents involve nine separate cases, including one accusation that extends to sexual assault.

On the first day of proceedings at the Luxembourg City District Court, some of the alleged victims and former colleagues gave testimony. Representatives from the judicial police and a neuropsychiatric expert also spoke.

The cases date back to a period between 2010 and 2019. According to testimonies, the pattern was almost always the same: a woman in a vulnerable position turned to the social office for assistance.

At the initial appointment, the now 57-year-old defendant came across as polite and charming, though some described him as "a little too charming". Several women said he quickly became overly familiar, encouraging them to use informal language with him. Many received kisses on the cheek as greetings or farewells, which they later described as too intimate and uncomfortable.

For some women, these gestures escalated. The former social worker allegedly attempted to kiss them on the mouth or touch them inappropriately during office visits. In other cases, he reportedly appeared unannounced at their homes.

The defendant claimed these were routine home visits to ensure clients were maintaining their social housing properly. A former colleague confirmed that such visits did happen, but noted that the accused conducted far more home visits than anyone else in the department.

One woman reportedly received frequent messages from the man over a four-month period. The judicial police testified that the communication was largely one-sided, with the accused urging her to send him nude photographs and repeatedly asking to visit her home.

According to the woman, he eventually came over and sexually assaulted her. The defendant denies this claim, stating he believed their encounter had been consensual.

As rumours spread within the social office and municipal administration, one of the alleged victims said she personally informed the mayor about her experience. However, she claimed he took no action.

As more reports surfaced, other staff members alerted the local council, prompting the man's suspension. In January 2020, the public prosecutor ordered a formal investigation.

Three years ago, a disciplinary council dismissed him from his role. He is currently employed in another social work position in a different municipality.

In court on Tuesday, the accused admitted to having made many mistakes but insisted he had never coerced or threatened anyone. He claimed to have believed his actions were welcomed and said he had not fully recognised the influence he held over clients.

Over the past six years, he explained, he has worked extensively on himself, including with therapists and through discussions with his wife.

The trial is set to continue at 3pm on Wednesday, with additional witness testimony from alleged victims.