Victim Support Malta: Alleged Rape of Minor Must Be Heard in Court
Victim Support Malta has called for justice after reports that a priest persuaded an alleged minor rape victim to accept money instead of court proceedings.
NGO Demands Justice After Alleged Minor Rape Reportedly Kept From Court
Victim Support Malta has issued a public statement following press reports that an alleged rape of a minor was never examined in court, Lovin Malta reports. The trauma relief NGO stressed that support for victims cannot come at the expense of judicial accountability.
The organisation was responding to reports claiming that a priest persuaded the alleged victim to accept money for "therapeutic care" rather than pursue the case through the courts. Victim Support Malta acknowledged that therapy can play a significant role in helping survivors of sexual violence recover, but drew a firm distinction between support and justice.
"Therapeutic support is vital, but it can never replace justice," the NGO stated.
The organisation went further, warning that private financial arrangements must never shield those facing serious allegations — particularly those involving a child — from court scrutiny. "Whether in the past, present or future, money, influence or private arrangements must never prevent allegations, particularly those involving a child, from being heard by the courts," Victim Support Malta said.
The NGO also cautioned that when accountability is sidestepped, those allegedly responsible may face no consequences, while victims continue to carry the psychological burden of what happened to them.
Victim Support Malta closed its statement with a direct appeal: "Victims deserve both support and justice."
Source: Lovin Malta