Is Marrying the Rapist to the Victim the Malaysian Way?

The recent judicial decision in East Malaysia seems to have escaped the attention of some media outlets. Another rapist married his child victim and was allowed to get away with the sexual abuse in court. The Borneo Post (http://www.theborneopost.com/2016/07/28/statutory-rape-case-accused-discharged-as-he-married-victim/) carried the distressing account of a 28 year old man who clearly took advantage of a 14 year old child and was freed by court. The report states the judge’s decision was “Since the complainant and the victim of the subject matter of this case wish to withdraw the complaint against the accused on the ground that she is now married to him, there is no necessity to proceed further with this case. “Therefore the accused is discharged not amounting to acquittal.” It’s amazing that, despite the outcry from many on previous such instances, our legal system continues to favour the rapist and not the victim. This decision by our legal system, in ruling in support of a rapist and sex abuser needs to be reviewed. Or systems must not continue to fail children. Under the Penal Code this girl is under 16 years of age and it is obviously statutory rape; which means there is no defence. The judge would be required by law to rule in the favour of the victim and punish this rapist. If withdrawal of a police report makes this difficult the Child Act could be used. Under the Child Act this person is under 18 and sexually abused. The Child Act is a mandatory report...
Source: Malaysian Medical Resources - Category: Global & Universal Authors: Tags: - Ethics - Guest child abuse pedophile predator Source Type: blogs