
Teacher's Alert Uncovers Years of Child Abuse in Oruro
Oruro, Bolivia: A 13-Year-Old Girl's Courage Breaks Years of Silence In Oruro, Bolivia, a 13-year-old girl's suffering came to light when her teachers noticed her unusual behavior and silent distress. The girl had been the victim of prolonged sexual abuse at the hands of her own uncle. The abuse, which spanned over three years, went unreported until the observant teachers intervened. Their quick action led to the arrest of the 32-year-old uncle. "The girl was unable to confide in her parents," stated a local official in an interview. "She self-harmed due to the trauma, but thankfully, her teachers stepped in." The uncle, who lived in the same house, used his close proximity to commit the abuse. He is now facing a potential 30-year prison sentence under Article 308bis of the Bolivian Penal Code. The authorities are committed to seeking the maximum penalty and ensuring the uncle's transfer to a maximum-security prison. The case underscores the vital role of community awareness and the importance of reporting suspected child abuse. The girl is currently receiving psychological support from the Child Advocacy Office and the Public Ministry. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for ongoing efforts to protect children and provide support for victims.