Family detained for historical child sex abuse

By Constantinos Psillides

A COUPLE from Paphos, 62 and 64, along with their two sons, 36 and 37, were arrested by Limassol police on Tuesday under suspicion that they repeatedly sexually abused four underage family members 20 years ago, police said.

According to the police report, the four suspects appear to have sexually assaulted and abused three girls and a boy. The apparent victims are the children of the 64-year-old woman’s two brothers. The two girls – now 29 and 34 – are sisters to the boy – now 27 – while the fourth victim is the daughter of the second brother. According to the report, all four cousins are believed to have suffered sexual abuse at the hands of their aunt, uncle and their two sons.

According to CyBC radio, the four victims reported the alleged crime to Limassol police after being urged to by a therapist. The 29-year-old woman appears to be the first to have reported the alleged crime.

The abuse is believed to have taken place from 1992 to 1999.

The four suspects are expected to appear before the Limassol District Court on Wednesday for a remand hearing. They are facing charges of rape, attempted rape and indecent assault.

While police are handling the case discreetly so as not to leak the names of both the suspects and victims, some of the details of the alleged crime were widely reported.

News portal Sigmalive reported that the four cousins were scared that no one would believe them and that they only came forward after being advised by a psychologist.

 

 

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