A court in Bizkaia issued sentences that reflect the severity of prolonged sexual abuse involving an underage boy and his sister. The mother received a term of eleven years and six months, while her partner was sentenced to eleven years. A second adult woman and one of the minors’ relatives were also implicated in the ongoing abuse.
The boy, who was around nine years old when the abuse began, later participated in inappropriate acts with his sister. Reports from Efe describe the sister as a seven-year-old girl in the case records.
The Gernika Tribunal’s findings show that from late 2017 through late 2018 the underage child endured constant sexual abuse at the hands of his mother, who at the time had separated from the father and held custody alongside a new partner. The court established that the mother coerced the boy to undress and take part in sexual activities.
Representatives from two Bizkaia municipalities and local schools where the family resided reported the abuse, noting they were unaware of the harm and that the situation indicated a serious lack of protective measures. The environment included two children in care of a mother who struggled with alcohol and other substances.
As a result, the Provincial Council directed the mother to participate in a family intervention program. The program did not achieve the necessary changes, and custody of the children was eventually transferred to the father.
In August 2019, following the father’s confirmation that the boy had abused his sister as a traumatic relapse, the authorities arranged for continued protective custody in a sheltered setting while the family situation was reassessed.
An evaluation noted that the family’s circumstances were marked by significant anxiety and depressive symptoms, with the emotional disturbance likely to affect personality development and long-term psychological balance.
The court credited the testimony given by the child. On July 21, 2020, at the age of twelve, the girl spoke about ongoing harassment by her mother and a family friend, describing a pattern of distress and fear.
Sentence
The two women were found guilty of ongoing sexual abuse. They were ordered to jointly compensate the minor with 90,000 euros. Moreover, they are prohibited from contacting the minor for fifteen years and from approaching within 500 meters of the child. They are also scheduled to participate in a sex education program as part of their rehabilitation upon release from prison.
The court additionally barred the mother and the minor’s spouse from pursuing work that involves contact with minors for 15 and 9 years, respectively.
The decision also states that any further action concerning deportation will be addressed after the status of the mother’s wife, a Venezuelan national, is resolved in administrative proceedings.