Toledo girls accuse man of rape
If various estimates are anywhere near accurate, then there are thousands of Belizean men who, following this broadcast, may be extremely nervous. The reason has to do with the crime of rape…and the fact that an increasing number of rape victims are coming forward to report their assaults to police…even though the crimes may have occurred years earlier.
The latest case involves two minors from the Toledo District, who accompanied by their parents, told police of a series of rapes committed by an older man known only as “Chayo”. A fourteen-year-old complainant reports that when she was only seven, Chayo entered her bedroom and forced her to have sex with him. A fifteen-year-old neighbour testified that when she was thirteen the same assailant locked her in his house and also had his way with her. In both cases the children say their attacker threatened them and they failed to report the crime out of fear for their lives. As a result of the reports, one suspect has been detained for questioning.
Social service agencies tell News 5 that rape is one the most under reported crimes in Belize and sexual assaults on young girls, often by family members or family friends, are so widespread as to be considered almost common. And while society may question that assessment, law enforcement authorities are clear. According to the Director of Public Prosecutions, there is no statute of limitations on the crime of rape…so when an attack took place will not deter its prosecution.
The police have also expressed a willingness to investigate, and where warranted, arrest and charge the perpetrators. So while those indicted rapists in our midst will continue to await some well deserved retribution, the real message tonight is to those men whose consciences as yet remain clear…and that is: don’t even think about it.
In related news, that message has apparently come too late to prevent an assault against a twelve year old Belize City girl. She has reported to police that on Saturday, while her older sister was in the hospital giving birth, she was being raped by her brother-in-law. A suspect has been detained pending charges.
