Report unlawful sexual intercourse to police: VPF

May 19, 2022 | News | 0

The Vanuatu Police Force (VPF) is calling on the public to report unlawful sexual intercourse offences to the police.

This way, offenders can be prosecuted through the justice system, instead of settling offences in the customary way.

In 2020, a suspect who is a landlord, committed sexual violence against an 8-year-old girl in Port Vila. The Family Protection Unit (FPU) last week received a report about a custom ceremony that was performed following the crime.

The suspect offered the little girl money to show her pornographic pictures and videos. Family members found out about it this year when they questioned the girl about the money she had been spending on sweets.

The suspect paid a fine when performing the custom ceremony.

VPF said in a statement that such sexual acts are unlawful and offenders can be punished up to lifetime imprisonment.

In this case, the suspect has paid a fine, but what about the victim who will live with the impact of the act, VPF has questioned.

“The suspect paid a fine, but what about the future of the little girl? She will be traumatized and will grow up in fear,” VPF stressed.

The suspect was arrested last weekend. He was charged for committing an act of indecency with a young person and for unlawful sexual intercourse.

In its statement, the VPF warned parents to protect their children, particularly girls from sexual abuses.

“Sexual violence cases are very serious and have high penalties,” VPF stated.

“These include rape, sexual assault, child sexual assault and incest and sexual harassment. Under the law, they can only be prosecuted in court.

“Anyone can experience sexual violence, children, adolescents, the elderly and old and people with disability. People who commit sexual violence can be a family member, a trusted individual or a stranger.”

According to the statement from VPF, the FPU has recorded 10 domestic violence cases and three sexual intercourse without consent cases, from March to April this year. All cases are now with the Prosecution.

Suspects in sexual intercourse without consent cases are on remand, waiting to appear in court for their cases. For the domestic violence cases, the suspects have been given bail, waiting for court hearing.

SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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