“Justice Served: Father Sentenced for Atrocious Crime Against Family Member”

A father of two has been sentenced to eight years and ten months in prison following his conviction for raping his cousin. This judgment was delivered at the High Court in Suva by Justice Pita Bulamainaivalu, who also set a non-parole period of seven years for the offender, a married man with a four-month-old baby and a nine-year-old daughter.

The crime took place during the night between October 31 and November 1, 2021, in Nasinu. At the time, the victim was heavily intoxicated and had expressed her desire to rest. Reports reveal that she was assaulted while she was asleep, and when she attempted to seek help, the perpetrator silenced her by covering her mouth with a pillow. The victim later confided in her grandmother, leading to a report being made to the Valelevu Police Station.

Justice Bulamainaivalu condemned the accused’s actions, describing them as “atrocious and despicable.” The judge pointed out the betrayal of trust in this situation, emphasizing that the complainant was in a vulnerable position in her uncle’s home and should have felt safe rather than threatened. Moreover, the emotional aftermath of the incident has been severe for the victim, who faces rejection from her family, while the convict’s wife has expressed disbelief regarding the claims made by the victim.

In addition to the prison term, the court has issued a permanent domestic violence restraining order against the convict, which is designed to protect the victim from any further harassment or intimidation.

This case underscores the persistent issue of sexual violence within family structures in Fiji, a matter that has been highlighted in previous legal proceedings. The judicial system is actively working to confront these serious issues, aiming to deliver justice for victims and fostering a safer community.

As society navigates the consequences of such horrific acts, it is essential to build a support system that encourages survivors to come forward, which can facilitate broader societal changes and better safeguard vulnerable individuals.