In a recent decision by the Lautoka High Court, a man has been sentenced to 12 years and seven months in prison for the rape of his stepdaughter. Convicted on two counts of rape, the offender’s actions were described by High Court Judge Justice Sunil Sharma as a grave betrayal of trust and a severe affront to the victim’s safety and dignity. The assaults occurred when the victim was alone and vulnerable at home, with the offender exploiting his position as her stepfather for personal gratification.
Justice Sharma emphasized the significant psychological and emotional consequences for the victim, noting her experiences of fear, depression, and difficulties with normalcy and schoolwork. These consequences were profound and are expected to have long-lasting effects. The case was marked by serious aggravating factors, such as the young age of the victim, the significant age gap between her and the offender, and the breach of familial trust.
Being a first-time offender, married, and the family’s sole breadwinner, the court acknowledged these personal circumstances, but deemed them insignificant in the face of the severity of the crime. Justice Sharma underscored the necessity of imposing a lengthy sentence to punish the offender, deter others, and protect vulnerable children from such predatory actions.
This case highlights ongoing societal concerns regarding the exploitation of children within domestic settings, drawing parallels to a similar case presided over by Justice Thushara Rajasinghe. In both instances, the courts recognized the victims’ suffering and stressed the importance of safeguarding minors from sexual violence. These rulings serve as a stern warning to potential offenders, reinforcing the judiciary’s commitment to imposing severe penalties in cases of child sexual abuse.