SINGAPORE: In a shocking case that has stunned the community, a 30-year-old man has been sentenced to 25 years in prison and received the maximum penalty of 24 strokes of the cane for the repeated sexual abuse of his teenage stepdaughter. The man, who was found guilty of multiple counts of rape and sexual assault, had denied all allegations, claiming he was innocent despite the overwhelming evidence against him.

The High Court's decision on March 28 highlighted the severe nature of the offenses, which took place when the victim was just 13 and 14 years old. Justice Mavis Chionh underscored the predatory nature of the man's actions, emphasizing the breach of trust in abusing a vulnerable young girl who viewed him as a father figure. She noted the 'brazen abuse' he perpetrated while living under one roof with his family, exploiting moments when his wife was away to carry out his crimes.

The abuse began in March 2021 after the man moved into a one-room flat with the victim and her mother. Following the marriage of the victim’s mother in 2020, the man manipulated the situation, using his role as a stepfather to exploit the victim's innocence. Over several months, he subjected her to repeated sexual assaults, taking advantage of her trust in him.

Awareness of the abuse surfaced when the victim confided in her school friends in late September 2021, leading to a disclosure to her form teacher. Prompt action ensued, with the school alerting the Child Protective Service, which resulted in the victim being taken to KK Women’s & Children’s Hospital for evaluation and support. A police report was filed, and within days, the man was arrested on September 24, 2021.

During the trial, the prosecution presented a strong case, calling attention to the victim's youth and the prolonged nature of the abuse. Deputy Public Prosecutors Jane Lim and Jeremy Bin argued for a more severe sentence of 28 to 31 years, emphasizing the long-lasting emotional and psychological impacts on the victim, who had effectively lost her family as a result of her courage to come forward. Tragically, not only was her stepfather taken from her, but her mother also turned against her, exacerbating the trauma she experienced.

Furthermore, Justice Chionh remarked on the man's lack of remorse, stating that he had even made false claims against law enforcement officers while attempting to shift the blame onto the victim.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the serious issues surrounding child abuse and the trust that is often betrayed in families. Advocates for child protection emphasize the importance of vigilance and support for victims, urging others in similar situations to seek help and report abuse.

As society grapples with these cases, significant questions arise about how to better protect vulnerable children and ensure justice is appropriately served.