Victim's parents are demanding jail time for the perpetrator and say that compensation payments will not absolve him of responsibility

KNOWN RAPISTS

Most rapes occur in remote regions and are overwhelmingly committed by non-blood relatives, such as stepfathers. “Many people lack understanding of the law and don’t know that perpetrators can be arrested,” said Licadho’s Eng Chhun Han

POLICE in Pursat province are investigating the alleged rape of 14-year-old girl by her brother-in-law as rights workers warn that rape cases involving juvenile victims are on the rise.

So Sa Hong, Phnum Kravang district deputy police chief, said that the girl's parents filed a complaint on Tuesday, nearly a week after the attack.

"I will forward the complaint to the police commissioner's bureau of juvenile protection tomorrow to send to the court and ask for an arrest warrant," he said.

Eng Chhun Han, a coordinator for the rights group Licadho in Pursat, said that he found out about the rape on Thursday.

He said that while he could not interfere with the police investigation, he would speak with the girl's parents and file a complaint with the prosecutor as soon as possible.

"Rape cases are on the increase. I have already received four complaints of rape of a juvenile by an adult this month," he added.

Seeking justice

"The girl didn't tell her parents about the rape for nearly a week because the perpetrator threatened to kill her if she told anyone," So Sa Hong said, adding that it is likely that the perpetrator has already left Pursat.

"But we will try to hunt him down and arrest him," So Sa Hong said. "The girl's parents haven't asked for compensation from the perpetrator but want him to be punished by the law," he added.

"Rape is a criminal offence. The perpetrator shouldn't be able to get away with rape by paying compensation, he must be punished."