The High Court in Suva convicted a 35-year-old man for the rape of his partner’s nine-year-old daughter, with the crime occurring in Wailoku in August 2024. The court found him guilty after the details of the incident came to light, showing the young victim was at home with her two brothers when the assault happened. According to court records, the accused entered the victim’s room while her mother was at work, closed the door, and assaulted her. After the attack, he reportedly told her to eat breakfast, denying her the chance to report the incident immediately.
Justice Siainiu Bull presided over the case and expressed confidence in the victim’s testimony, stating, “I feel sure that she told the truth in court.” He dismissed the accused’s defense as unconvincing, pointing out the contradictions in his account regarding the victim’s reaction and the circumstances surrounding their presence at the police station.
This case highlights the ongoing issue of sexual violence against minors, particularly within domestic settings. Similar previous cases, such as the conviction of a man who raped a 14-year-old girl under the guise of a secret relationship, underscore the troubling trend of such crimes in Fiji. The importance of legal accountability and support for victims is critical, as seen in the court’s firm stance against offenders, aiming to deter such heinous acts and protect vulnerable individuals.
The hope is that continued awareness and judicial action may foster a safer environment for children and encourage more victims to come forward, seeking justice and support in the wake of trauma.
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