In Linhares, a city in Northern Espírito Santo, a 27-year-old man was apprehended by the Military Police for suspected 'rape of a vulnerable person' after being spotted holding hands with a 12-year-old girl, his alleged girlfriend. The police, conducting routine patrols, became aware of the couple's presence and subsequently detained the man. He was taken to the Regional Police Station in Linhares, where authorities initiated further investigations and contacted the Guardianship Council to oversee the situation involving the minor.

Under Brazilian law, engaging in sexual acts with minors under 14 years of age qualifies as rape of a vulnerable person, regardless of any supposed consent. Given that the girl had previously been in a care institution, the case raises significant concerns about her well-being and the nature of her relationship with the suspect, particularly since she had been reintegrated into her maternal grandmother’s care only months ago.

The Guardianship Council revealed that the girl had maintained contact with the suspect for an extended period, indicating a potentially harmful dynamic. This incident highlights the ongoing issues concerning child protection in Brazil, especially regarding the monitoring of relationships involving minors and the legal ramifications surrounding such cases. Authorities will likely increase scrutiny on cases involving minors, strengthening measures to prevent and address sexual violence against vulnerable individuals.