17-year-old rescued in Santa Cruz reports sexual abuse from childhood
A 17-year-old girl was found at a lodging in central Santa Cruz after being reported missing. She reported having suffered sexual violence within her family environment since age 5.
Chinese minor rescued in Santa Cruz; alleged family sexual violence under investigation
A 17-year-old adolescent of Chinese nationality was rescued from a lodging in central Santa Cruz de la Sierra after her relatives reported her disappearance, according to El Deber. At the time she was found, she showed apparent signs of malnutrition and was placed under institutional care immediately.
The girl left her home on 22 September, located in the vicinity of the Los Pozos market, and did not communicate with her family again. Her relatives filed a report with the Human Trafficking and Trafficking Division of the Special Force to Combat Crime (Felcc), which began search operations together with personnel from the Office for the Defence of Children and Adolescents.
Police officers and officials from the Office for the Defence of Children and Adolescents found her in a room she had rented alone. According to preliminary information, she remained in the place without adequate food for several days.
Taken to the Special Victims Unit, on Campero Street, the minor made an initial statement. According to the lawyer intervening in the case, she reported that a cousin allegedly sexually abused her when she was 5 years old, and that at age 12 she had been sexually assaulted by her biological father. The accusations form part of an initial statement and will need to be investigated by the competent authorities.
The girl also indicated that until before her disappearance she had been living with her mother and her stepfather, and that she had never received assistance regarding the situations she was reporting. As of the publication of the report, no information was provided about people arrested or charged.
The Office for the Defence of Children and Adolescents arranged for her transfer to a reception centre, where she will remain under protection whilst receiving medical, psychological and social care. The parents were summoned to give statements within the investigation opened to clarify the reported circumstances and determine possible responsibilities.
As this involves a minor in a case of alleged sexual violence, her identity and any information that would allow her to be identified are kept confidential.
Source: El Deber