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Man sentenced to 25 years in prison for sexual abuse of a child in Bolivia

July 2024

A man in Bolivia, who sexually abused his 14-year-old sister-in-law, has been sentenced for a total of 25 years.

For months, the abuser took advantage of the family’s trust. At night, he sneaked into the girl’s room and sexually assaulted her.

Only when the 14-year-old girl showed early signs of pregnancy did the abuse come to light.

Her parents bravely reported the crime to the justice system. But reporting the crime was only the first step towards justice.

The police referred the young girl’s family to IJM Bolivia.  PROBOS – a group of professionals who have been trained by IJM – diligently provided legal and psychological support to the family.

With the help of IJM and PROBOS, the young survivor and her family bravely faced every stage of the justice process, and the perpetrator was found guilty.

Today, this survivor feels safe again. Now a young mother, she is not only caring for her baby, but she is also committed to finishing secondary school.

She is a testament to how the love of a family, along with justice and protection, can help survivors of violence heal and pursue their dreams for the future.

Without the support of a legal team, survivors’ chances of obtaining justice in Bolivia are limited. Only 4% of cases of physical or sexual abuse reported to the Public Justice System receive a sentence.

IJM in Bolivia is working to help women and children heal from violence and receive justice.

Learn more about IJM’s work to protect women and children from violence >>



*Image of actress used to depict survivor

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