Woman posing as psychologist investigated for abusive treatment of children (video)

A criminal case has been initiated against a woman identified as D.J., who claimed to be a defectologist-psychologist, after disturbing videos circulated on social media showing her allegedly treating children with speech disorders by shouting, threatening, and forcing them to behave like dogs. The information was confirmed by the Office of the Children’s Ombudsman.

According to the Ombudsman’s Office, an investigation into D.J.'s actions was launched at the end of 2024 and continued into January 2025.

In response to a request from the Children’s Ombudsman, a professional evaluation of D.J.’s methods was carried out by a working group of qualified defectologists and speech therapists. The assessment concluded that D.J.’s techniques were entirely unscientific, simplistic, and harmful. The report stated that her use of psychological and physical coercion in an attempt to treat stuttering caused serious harm to the mental and physical well-being of children and was in direct violation of pedagogical standards.

"Based on these findings, the Children’s Ombudsman formally requested a legal evaluation of the case, leading to the initiation of criminal proceedings against D.J.", the statement read.

However, despite the initial attention, D.J. reportedly continued her unscientific and unlicensed practices with children suffering from stuttering.

On June 2, 2025, the Children’s Ombudsman submitted another official request to the Prosecutor General’s Office, stating that D.J.’s ongoing actions were in clear violation of children's rights and interests.

As a result, a previous decision by the Yunusabad District Prosecutor’s Office to terminate the case was overturned, and the case files were transferred to the Investigation Department of the Yunusabad District Internal Affairs Department under the Federal Bureau of Investigation for further examination.

The Investigation Department has now formally opened a criminal case concerning D.J.’s conduct, and a preliminary investigation is currently in progress.