Bolivian Justice Sentences Child Sex Offender to 30 Years in Prison
Violence Against Women & Children
After a tough and long battle, a man was sentenced to 30 years in prison for abusing his stepdaughter for five years. For the adolescence and her family, this sentence marked the start of a new chapter in their lives.
The conviction highlights a troubling reality in Bolivia. In 2024, Bolivia’s Public Prosecutor's Office reported 11,437 cases of sexual and physical violence, 6% more than in 2022. Out of those cases, 2,696 (24%) involved sexual violence against children, teens, and adolescents, and 1,864 (16%) were for statutory rape. These numbers expose how prevalent violence against women and children is, as well as the urgent need to protect them. For this reason, each sentence like this one, represents a step towards justice and hope.
It all started in 2018. The victim was barely 10 years old when her stepfather, taking advantage of the fact that her mother was not there, began to abuse her. The man also intimidated the girl and her brother, who witnessed some scenes: if they spoke, something bad would happen to them.
For five years, the children were forced to be silent. But in 2023, days after another assault occurred the mother saw some messages on her daughter's cell phone and realized what had been happening. That moment marked the end of her daughters’ abuse and the beginning of a fight for justice. One that would not be easy.
The family, already struggling financially and constantly harassed by the abuser's relatives, felt completely lost. That’s when Prosecutor Vladimir C. stepped in. He introduced them to IJM and PROBOS—a transdisciplinary group of professionals trained by IJM who volunteer their time and expertise to defend and support survivors of sexual violence.
This support made all the difference. A committed team began working to protect the family and bring the aggressor to justice. The journey wasn’t easy. The abuser’s allies tried to get him released, and the family faced ongoing threats. But the legal team stayed strong and a psychologist and social worker joined in, supporting the survivor and her mom every step of the way. They made sure the family never felt alone.
After a year, the sexual aggressor was sentenced to 30 years in prison. For the victim and her family, this result meant that they don't have to live in fear anymore.
The survivor hugs one of the PROBOS team members after receiving the news about the sentence.
Now, at 16 years old, the survivor is focused on her education and rebuilding her life. She is receiving constant support from her mother and the therapeutic sessions.
This outcome is not only, justice for one family, but also a symbol of hope for countless others facing similar nightmares. It demonstrates the possibilities when survivors of violence receive support from a team of experts: perpetrators are held accountable, and communities see that the law is applied rigorously. Confronting violence and protecting those in need becomes a reality we can achieve, encouraging individuals to report crimes while deterring potential aggressors.