A Vatuwaqa man has been sentenced to 15 years and two weeks in prison, with a non-parole period of 12 years, after being convicted of raping his sister-in-law who was then in Class 5. The 38-year-old defendant was found guilty of four counts of rape committed between 2018 and 2023, while one count of sexual assault was acquitted by High Court Justice Siainiu Fa’alogo Bull in Suva on July 30.
Court records show the man, a father of five, engaged in forceful, unconsented sexual intercourse with the victim. The young person described the accused as a “physical” and “scary” figure, noting that everyone in the family listened to him. The victim had previously seen time in prison for assaulting her elder sister, and she did not disclose the abuse for fear that the accused would kill her or the person she told.
The incidents only came to light after the victim spoke to her mother during a visit to the village. The accused denied the allegations, saying he was out diving at the relevant times. He also claimed that the only time he had consensual intercourse with the victim was in 2020, as repayment for money she had taken from him.
This sentence aligns with the judiciary’s tough stance on sexual violence in family contexts, echoed in recent Suva High Court rulings where judges have imposed lengthy terms and non-parole periods of around 12 years for similar offenses. Such decisions reflect adherence to sentencing guidelines and relevant Supreme Court precedents to ensure accountability and deter future offences, especially those involving vulnerable victims.
Context and outlook:
– Similar cases in Suva have frequently resulted in non-parole periods of 12 years and sentences in the mid-to-upper teens or around 13 years, underscoring the court’s commitment to stringent penalties in cases of rape and sustained sexual abuse.
– The judiciary has emphasized the protection of victims and the importance of reporting abuse, aiming to foster a safer environment for vulnerable individuals and to deter potential offenders.
Overall, the verdict reinforces a message of accountability for serious sexual offences within families and highlights ongoing efforts to improve support for victims and ensure justice is served. If you or someone you know needs support after sexual assault, consider reaching out to local counselling services or victim support organizations for guidance and assistance.
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