A former social worker is on trial in Luxembourg for allegedly sexually harassing and assaulting vulnerable women who had sought his help.

On Wednesday afternoon, the trial of a former social worker resumed the Luxembourg City District Court. The man is accused of sexually harassing and assaulting multiple women who had sought assistance from the social office. In one case, he is charged with rape; in eight others, he faces charges of “indecent assault” involving violence or threats.

“He’s a social worker who shamelessly exploited the victims’ vulnerability”, said Lehnen, the lawyer representing four of the women who have joined the proceedings as civil plaintiffs, in order to highlight the emotional toll the trial has taken on the women, noted how painful it was for them to recount their experiences in court.

The four women testified independently and under oath, yet described similar encounters. They portrayed the accused as someone who initially appeared respectful, only to later overstep boundaries – during meetings in his office or unannounced visits to their homes. Each recounted instances of inappropriate touching, including on their hands, legs, breasts, and other areas.

One woman testified that the accused came to her home while her children were at school and raped her. She said she clearly told him she did not consent, but he allegedly told her to stay quiet, and claimed to be “a close friend of the mayor”. Fearing repercussions, she did not resist further – she explained she was afraid of losing her home, which she had received through his assistance.

A fifth woman, who has a physical disability, was unable to testify in person due to emotional distress. Instead, the court was shown a video recording of her statement made to investigators. In it, she described her first contact with the accused at the social office, where she had come with her daughter. At a subsequent appointment, she said he asked her intrusive and inappropriate questions, including how she “liked it in bed”, and added that she had no choice but to answer because he claimed to be “pulling the strings”. She also recounted how he later appeared at her home uninvited, shortly after she had undergone surgery, and touched her inappropriately.

She said that it felt so disgusting, she tried to clean herself with vinegar. "He completely broke me, but at least, I hope he won't be able to hurt anyone anymore."

The accused gave a statement on Wednesday that largely echoed what he said on Monday at the start of the trial. While he admitted to having made mistakes and acknowledged causing harm, he continued to deny elements of the allegations. He insisted that he never physically harmed anyone and never made his help conditional on sexual favors.

However, the presiding judge pointed out that a clear pattern had emerged across all the testimonies.

At one point during the defendant’s statement, one of the women broke down in tears and had to leave the room.

The women's lawyer underscored the credibility of the accusations by citing physical evidence: condoms and intimate creams were discovered in the accused's professional office.

A financial claim is also being pursued. The lawyer for the municipality and the social office has demanded that the accused repay approximately €480,000 – his salary during the three years he was suspended from duty.

The trial is set to continue Thursday morning at 9am.