A father of four in Tailevu has recently been convicted of raping his then ten-year-old sister-in-law. The 38-year-old man was found guilty of raping the complainant multiple times, with incidents occurring between April and December 2022, and again on May 29, 2023. On one occasion, he lured the victim into a prayer room, where he assaulted her while his children watched a movie in the adjacent living room. The victim refrained from informing the man’s wife of these incidents due to ongoing conflicts within the marriage.
The situation came to light when the young girl confided in her friends about the abuse. Justice Pita Bulamainaivalu, presiding over the High Court in Suva, acknowledged the victim as a credible and reliable witness, emphasizing the importance of her calm demeanor during testimony. The judge noted that the defendant’s testimony lacked credibility compared to that of the victim and other witnesses.
Sentencing for the perpetrator is scheduled to take place on April 17, as the court navigates this harrowing case that highlights the urgent issue of sexual violence within familial structures in Fiji. Similar cases have been addressed previously, with efforts by the judicial system to deliver justice for victims and promote community safety.
These cases serve as stark reminders of the critical need for comprehensive support systems for victims, encouraging them to come forward and seek justice. The hope is that increased awareness and legal actions will foster safer environments, helping to protect vulnerable individuals in society.
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