Man jailed for rape and indecency against own daughters

Mar 5, 2025 | News | 0

A man has been send to prison for 4 years and 11 months for rape and indecent behaviour against two of his own daughters when they were under the age of 15.

The man, who cannot be named to protect the identity of his victims, raped one of his daughters in 2017 and 2018 at their family home.

The Supreme Court heard that the man sexually abused his daughter whenever his wife was not around, and told her not to tell anyone.

The court also heard that due to the ongoing sexual intercourse, his daughter became pregnant, but had a miscarriage.

In 2014, he committed an act of indecency against his other daughter.

He pleaded guilty to the charges of unlawful sexual intercourse and an act of indecency under the Penal Code (CAP 135).

The maximum penalty of unlawful sexual intercourse under section 97 (2) is 15 years’ imprisonment, and 10 years’ imprisonment for Act of indecency.

Judge Maree Mackenzie gave the accused a sentence starting point of 8 years’ imprisonment, after considering the aggravating factors and previous judgements.

His sentence was reduced by 2 years and 8 months for his early guilty plea. His sentence was further reduced by 5 months for having a good work and community history, and being remorseful.

The man is not a first time offender. In 2006, he was sentenced to 4 years’ imprisonment for intentional assault.

Judge Maree considered whether his sentence should be suspended.

“While I note that you accept responsibility, this is serious offending. You took advantage sexually of your vulnerable daughters. In particularly, you used MN for your own sexual gratification. This must be strongly condemned,” stated the judge.

“There is nothing exceptional about the circumstances, or your character so as to justify suspension of the sentence, and I decline to do so. Hence, there is a need to impose a sentence which acknowledged the seriousness of the offending, and meets the need for accountability, deterrence and denunciation.”

The man has been in custody since September 6 last year, therefore his sentence will commence from that date.

He was given 14 days to appeal the sentence.

SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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A child protection response must ask a different, equally urgent question: is this child safe, and what needs to happen now to protect them?” the Ministry says. “Protecting a child must begin when abuse comes to light, not when a perpetrator is convicted.” The Ministry says this is why the proposed Child Protection Bill matters. The Bill seeks to establish a stronger legal framework for protecting children at risk of abuse, neglect and exploitation. It would establish clearer reporting responsibilities, strengthen the authority of child protection officers to assess and respond to abuse, and provide mechanisms for emergency protection, court orders and safe alternative care. The MOJYCS says these measures would establish clear responsibilities and provide the legal authority needed to intervene when a child is in danger. “A child who discloses sexual abuse needs more than a police investigation. That child needs to be safe tonight, tomorrow and in the months and years that follow,” the Ministry says. Parliament has an opportunity to act The MOJYCS recognises that families, chiefs, churches and communities all have important roles in protecting children. However, it says informal arrangements and goodwill are not always enough when abuse occurs within a family or community. Children need a system with clear legal responsibilities, trained professionals and the authority to intervene when their safety is at risk, the Ministry says. It also cautions that legislation alone will not end child sexual abuse. A strong Child Protection Bill must be backed by trained child protection officers, accessible services, effective referral pathways and sustained investment, including in rural and remote communities. Without these investments, the MOJYCS warns, the promise of stronger legal protection risks remaining just that — a promise. For children experiencing abuse, the Ministry says, the issues are not abstract questions about legislation or government responsibilities. They concern immediate safety, dignity, care and recovery. The MOJYCS says a child’s access to protection should not depend on where they live, whom they know or whether someone happens to be available to help when they disclose abuse. “To the MPs who will consider the Child Protection Bill this month: the children behind these headlines deserve more than our concern. They deserve action,” the Ministry says. “Vanuatu cannot undo the abuse these children have suffered. But it can decide what happens when the next child comes forward. “Pass a strong Child Protection Bill. Commit the resources needed to make it work. And ensure that when a read more…

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