A 14-year-old girl, who was raped at 12 by a 35-year-old man, is currently under her father's custody in Minas Gerais, Brazil, following a police investigation prompted by school absences and suspected abuse.
The case revolves around a 14-year-old girl who was reportedly raped at the age of 12 by a man aged 35 in the rural region of Minas Gerais. Currently living with her father since 2024, the child is under paternal custody following the initiation of a police inquiry that sought to explore the circumstances of her living situation with the accused. This investigation was kickstarted after the Guardian Council received reports regarding her frequent school absences and dismal living conditions. Upon investigation, it became evident that she was residing with a man who was a stranger to her family.
On April 8, 2024, police intervened when they found the accused man at the suspect's residence along with the young girl and her mother. The father had previously been absent from the scene, raising suspicions regarding the mother's responsibility towards the girl. Due to fears that the mother had consented to the troubling living arrangement, authorities swiftly removed the girl from her mother's care. The legal proceedings escalated when the Public Prosecutor's Office brought charges against the individuals involved, which led to both the accused man and the girl's mother being sentenced to 9 years and 4 months in prison for their roles in the crime.
The case has garnered attention due to the nature of the crime and the implications surrounding child welfare and protective services in Brazil. The subsequent custody of the girl by her father raises questions about her safety and the ability of local authorities to ensure a secure environment for minors in similar situations. As the girl has expressed a desire to return to her mother, the ongoing discussions about her wellbeing and the custody arrangement continue to unfold amidst public scrutiny and concern for her safety.
