In Lviv region, the court sentenced a 21-year-old man to 6 years in prison for sexual violence against his underage stepsister. He was found guilty under Part 4 of Article 153 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. This was reported by the Zhovkva District Prosecutor’s Office.
It was established that last August the girl was spending her summer holidays with her father, who was living with his new wife and her adult son from another marriage. One night, the stepbrother, taking advantage of the child’s helpless state and his physical superiority, committed acts of a sexual nature against her, using force. At that time, the victim was 13 years old.
The girl managed to stop the man only after prolonged persuasion and pleas. After this, he threatened his stepsister, demanding that she tell no one about what had happened. Only almost two months later did the child confide in her mother, who turned to law enforcement.
From the moment he was notified that he was under suspicion, the man has been held in custody and will remain there until the verdict comes into legal force. After this, information about the convicted man will be entered in the Unified Register of Persons Convicted of Crimes Against the Sexual Freedom and Sexual Integrity of a Young Child.
“In such crimes, children most often are afraid to confide even in those closest to them because of fear, threats or confusion. It is very important to remember: any unlawful actions against a child are the perpetrator’s fault. That is why it is important for adults to build trusting relationships with children so that they are not afraid to share what they have been through. Protecting children’s rights and ensuring punishment for everyone who encroaches on a child’s sexual integrity is and will remain a fundamental priority of our work,” said the prosecutor in the proceedings, Volodymyr Sitek.
The pre-trial investigation in the criminal proceedings was carried out by Police Station No. 1 of Lviv District Police Department No. 1 of the Main Directorate of the National Police in Lviv region. The verdict comes into legal force after the expiry of the time limit for lodging an appeal.