A 19-year-old man was sentenced to 13 months in prison for raping his cousin when he was 16 and she was just 11 years old. The High Court in Suva heard the disturbing case where the incident occurred in 2021 while the two were staying at their grandparents’ house. The court found that he had touched her inappropriately and proceeded to rape her, only stopping when she pleaded with him to stop.
Justice Dane Tuiqereqere presided over the case and noted that the offence was reported to the police in March 2023. The accused was arrested in September 2024, shortly after which he admitted to the crime during police questioning. A medical examination confirmed the assault occurred, as the victim’s hymen was no longer intact.
During the sentencing, Justice Tuiqereqere emphasized that the victim, being a child, was incapable of consenting to such an act. The judge expressed deep concern over the emotional impact on the victim, highlighting that her education had been disturbed and she now feels unsafe at home, associating it with the trauma.
The court also took into account the accused’s young age and his plea of guilty, which was made at the first opportunity, as mitigating factors. Justice Tuiqereqere mentioned that the accused breached the trust placed in him as an older cousin and imposed a suspended eight-month sentence for a three-year period along with a domestic violence restraining order against him.
This case underscores a troubling trend regarding sexual violence within families, echoing the sentiments expressed in recent rulings by the Fiji courts addressing similar cases. Justice has been served in this instance, but it also reminds us of the ongoing need for societal vigilance and support for victims. As communities continue to confront such serious issues, it becomes critical to empower survivors and ensure they are heard, contributing to a broader culture of safety and protection for the vulnerable.
Leave a comment