update BB news:

BB, 19 Mac 2010: By Siti Hajar

Stepfather gets 14 years jail, 14 strokes for rape

A thirty-three-year-old Bruneian man was sentenced yesterday to 14 years in prison, with immediate effect, and 14 strokes of the cane for repeatedly raping and voluntarily causing hurt to his stepdaughter over a period of three months.

The defendant, whose name has been withheld to safeguard his stepdaughter's identity, had pleaded guilty to two counts of rape and one count of causing voluntary hurt to the victim who was 13 years old at the time of incidents.

The first and second charge brought against the defendant comprises two counts of rape that occurred in December 2009 and on February 2, 2010, an offence that is punishable under Section 376(2) of the Penal Code (Chapter 22) that carries an imprisonment term of not less than eight years and not more than 30 years as well as up to 12 strokes of the cane.

The third charge, voluntarily causing hurt, is punishable under Section 324 of the Penal Code that carries an imprisonment term that may extend to seven years, with caning.

The defendant, who was employed as a security guard, will be serving 10 years in prison with 12 strokes of the cane for the first charge, 12 years in prison with 12 strokes of the cane for the second charge, that will run concurrently, and another two years with two strokes of the cane for the third charge.

Based on hospital reports, the offences have had dire psychological effects on the victim. The presiding judge described the committed rape offences as "grave".
Meanwhile, Puan Mariyani from the Women and Child Abuse Investigation Unit under the Criminal Investigation Department, Royal Brunei Police Force is optimistic that more justice will be served in the future, especially for minors.

Based on the sentencing, she also expressed her hope that other victims will be brave enough to come forward by calling the '993' police hotline, the '141' JAPEM (Community Development Department) hotline or report the matter to any individual who can assist them.

"What's important is the empowerment," she said, adding that empowerment will instill strength and confidence once these victims do speak out.
"These victims have the right to speak up and tell their side of the story," she said.
She encouraged individuals who have knowledge of victims being abused to report these matters to authorities who have the jurisdiction to assist including the police, JAPEM as well as hospitals.

"It is the first thing other individuals can do to help protect the innocent," said Puan Mariyani upon noting that there are other victims who are still "crying in silence".
"They need to know that they have the right to be heard," she continued.
She also called on parents to forge closer relations with their children so as to observe any behavioural changes that may be an indicator of something serious.