A woman has finally found justice, two decades after suffering severe abuse at the hands of her father. The Lautoka High Court has sentenced the now 67-year-old man to 15 years in prison for repeatedly raping his daughter, who was just 12 years old at the time, with the abuse beginning in 2002.
The court heard that throughout this traumatic phase, the victim and her younger siblings were left in the care of their father. The abuse began following a sports event, and the perpetrator took extreme measures, including creating a hidden entrance in his daughter’s bedroom to facilitate repeated assaults. He employed intimidation tactics, threatening her to ensure silence about the abuse.
Now 34 years old, the victim eventually disclosed her traumatic experiences to her ex-husband after years of suffering in silence. As information about her ordeal circulated in their community, she bravely reported the incidents to law enforcement, which marked a turning point in her journey towards justice.
During the sentencing, High Court Judge Aruna Aluthge condemned the father’s profound betrayal of trust, noting his violation of the core responsibilities expected of a parental figure. The judge acknowledged the enduring psychological impact on the victim and emphasized the necessity of strict penalties for such abhorrent offenses against minors.
The sentenced individual will be eligible for parole after serving a minimum of 12 years, and he may file an appeal within the next 30 days.
This case highlights critical societal issues surrounding familial abuse and underscores the urgent requirement for protective measures tailored to vulnerable children. It serves as an empowering reminder that justice is attainable, even in challenging circumstances. This situation emphasizes the need for continued efforts to enhance support systems for survivors and to hold offenders accountable, paving the way towards healing and prevention in society.
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