Rape victims are being forced to accept money rather than justice

July 19, 2022

HURFOM: Since the coup, organizations providing legal support to women and childen report increases in domestic assuaults and rape – particularly of children.

One organization said they have twenty case files open regarding rape involving children, and 10 cases of domestic assualt. According to those working to assist victims, the actual number of cases is expected to be higher than what is reported, as many cases are not reported.

When victims have reported the incidents, authorities attempt to settle the case with monetary compensation rather than pursue an arrest and use the rule of law.

“The main problem is due to difficulties people have to make their livelihood. If there is a rape case and the victim isn’t pregnant, (the authorties have forced) the victim to accept the money and settle the case. As it’s very difficult to get justice (under the judicial system controlled by the military junta), the victim’s family has eventually accepted the monetary compensation and dismissed the case,” said an activist for woman and child rights.

Most households endure great difficulties due to the unsettled politics and parents are focused on trying to make a living, in extremely difficult circumstances. The offer of monetary settlement rather than pursuit of criminal prosecution becomes an economic dilemma.

Most of the rape victims are between the ages of 12-14, and most were abused by relatives or family acquaintances.

“Now, no one has an easy livelihood. The parents have to leave their children at their neighbors’ or relatives’ houses and go to work. (So the children are unprotected and) something bad happens. If this situation continues, the raping of children will never been stopped,” said the activist.

Written by Modinator · Filed Under News