The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has raised concerns about how missing evidence and prolonged court delays are impacting the prosecution of child sexual abuse cases. Unaisi Ratukalou, the Divisional Manager for the Sexual Crimes Unit, emphasized that one of the primary obstacles prosecutors face is the failure to obtain crucial evidence from investigations in a timely manner, or in some instances, not at all.
Ratukalou pointed out that simple yet essential evidence, such as photographs of crime scenes, plays a critical role in helping child victims articulate what happened and where the incidents occurred. This visual aid can alleviate the pressure on young victims, who may struggle to verbally recount traumatic experiences in a courtroom setting.
Additionally, she expressed concern about the significant delays in court proceedings, noting that sexual abuse cases frequently compete for attention with serious crimes like murder, robbery, and drug offenses. In some instances, cases can remain unresolved for years, leading to situations where victims, like a child who suffered abuse at four or five, can no longer recall the details by the time the trial arrives, forcing prosecutors to withdraw the case altogether.
While acknowledging that police are working diligently under heavy workloads, Ratukalou mentioned that delays in investigations and trials impact the courts’ ability to assess evidence effectively. However, there is renewed hope with the recently passed Child Justice Act, which includes provisions for establishing a dedicated child justice court that could facilitate swifter hearings for cases involving children.
Despite these significant challenges, Ratukalou affirmed the commitment of prosecutors to support child victims, ensuring that their evidence is presented with care, skill, and sensitivity. The ongoing efforts in the justice system aim to prioritize the welfare of young victims, offering a promising outlook for future cases.
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