Judge: Children not safe in homes

MORE and more children are at the mercy of those who call themselves their protectors, National Court judge Justice Salatiel Lenalia has said.
He said there was growing concern in the country that courts continue to hear cases of rape and sexual offences against minors.
Lenalia revealed this last week when sentencing Michael Maranis in East New Britain to 20 years imprisonment for raping his step-daughter.
Lenalia said although the courts had been imposing sentences reflecting the seriousness of the offence, this had not had any effect on the desired purpose of deterring offenders.
“Children in Papua New Guinea, both male and female, from infants as young as three months to adults, are very vulnerable.”
He said the courts must continue to impose sentences to justify the pain, suffering and psychological damage the infant child or teenage suffered, was suffering and would continue to suffer.
He said the unfortunate result was that the term of years imposed could not be measured against the pain and suffering the victim would continue to suffer until she passes away.
The court heard that the victim was aged a little over 12 years and Lenalia described as a child of tender age not capable of having sexual relations with anyone.
“The courts look at these kinds of abuses seriously.”
Lenalia said the real aggravating factor was the conduct of the offender and his treatment of his step-daughter.
“Why rape your daughter when her mother is at your disposal for sexual gratification?”
He said both judges of National and Supreme courts on appeals had said rape was a very serious crime committed against the womenfolk and children in communities.
The prisoner was, therefore, sentenced to 20 years in hard labour, with the time he spent in custody to be deducted.