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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
Nassau, Bahamas - The following is a statement by Dr Sandra Dean-Patterson, Director, Bahamas Crisis Centre:
I am concerned about the representation in the Court by an attorney advocating a 3-year probation term for the perpetrator of the sexual assault of an 11-year-old girl.
The attorney submitted that probation would not negatively impact the now 19-year-old victim. He claimed that the girl has been shown to be strong and had not appeared to be negatively affected by what had transpired.
The victim, recounting her violation, stated that her molestation began in 2008 when she was 11-years-old, and in June of 2013 she told him that she was “carrying his child”. Four months later he took her to a clinic to terminate her pregnancy. This information was also carried in the newspapers on February 10th, 2015.
The emotional havoc that this molestation and violation creates for a child is often not seen or recognized by family and friends. In situations where the child does exhibit signs of distress, these are often discounted or ignored.
No child however resilient goes through the experience of molestation or rape unscathed. Many carry this nightmare with them well into their adult life. All children who experience this require intervention and help in coming to terms with this violation, which is made even worse, when it occurs at the hands of someone the child trusts.
The punishment for unlawful sexual intercourse on our law books is life imprisonment which underscores the serious nature with which society regards this offence.
In considering the punishment to be administered the court is faced with weighing the circumstances of the case and the protection and welfare of the community.
Does probation meet those requirements? Can we say that the potential damage to this young girl is adequately countered by a probationary sentence?
This communication is designed to underscore the gravity and seriousness of rape and the violation of young girls which happens all too frequently in our nation.
The Bahamas ranks among countries in the world with the highest incidence of reported rape per capita and needs to address this face on.
We must ensure that perpetrators are identified, prosecuted and punished. The Bahamas Crisis Centre takes the opportunity to again call for the inclusion of victim impact statements to be presented in court in camera, which can assist the court in appreciating the emotional damage that ensures from this violation.
© Copyright 2015 by thebahamasweekly.com
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