Verdict underscores psychological impact of long-term abuse

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When their relationship began, she was 16 and he was 18. Over a span of more than two years, the victim faced relentless control and domination, including threats, insults, and sexual assaults. The Court of Alicante imposed penalties for a long list of crimes tied to gender violence, with convictions spanning harassment, threats, habitual harassment, and ongoing sexual assault. He also carries a restraining order against himself, kept in place for more than 27 years.

The victim’s ordeal came to light early on the morning of August 18, 2021, after she finally confided in her family. That night, he invited her to stay at his home, but his family refused due to concerns about her safety.

The verdict details how the defendant forced her to stay connected with him through video calls all night, not allowing her to rest. He insisted she send videos of her surroundings and family members, even showing them sleeping. He returned home at six in the morning and warned that he would harm his parents, brother, and dog to make her suffer.

That moment prompted her to tell her family to call the police. They arrived as she was recounting the long history of ill-treatment and oppression within the relationship.

Complete control of one’s life

The accused partner continually tracked her whereabouts and company via the phone. He demanded daily videos and photos, activated hands-free modes on her device even at school, and insisted on immediate responses to his calls.

When she resisted, the accused sent abusive messages and uttered demeaning phrases such as, You’re a slut, you’re a whore, you’re banging someone else, nobody will love you, you’re a pathetic person, and you’re not taking this from me. He even taunted her with threats to contact her mother until he attained his aims. The verdict found that his behavior included violent acts, including blows to the face and other parts of the body, as well as pushes and bites.

The court documented five concrete acts of violence. A sixth incident involved an alleged cigarette burn; the victim suggested it could have been accidental. Testimonies from the victim and others surrounding the events supplied the prosecution evidence the court weighed in its decision.

Two teachers at the school supported the victim by encouraging her to speak about the abuse she endured from her partner, while the circle of friends largely corroborated the victim’s account, though she initially denied certain aspects. One teacher observed that the victim was not attending classes and showed distress while being questioned.

Violations

There were sexual assaults as well. In mid-August 2021, just days before the formal complaint, the defendant engaged in sexual violence by forcibly
touching the victim’s head, pushing her, and raping her in anal and other acts while insulting her.

The sentence confirms that the accused used coercion to compel sexual intercourse, exploiting fear to override the victim’s refusals. The judges noted that he managed to foray into her anal and vaginal areas on two occasions, under an atmosphere of intimidation and power.

The court found the relationship to be rooted in a structural type of violence intended to dominate. The psychological impact on the victim was significant, manifesting as anxiety and stress that impaired her daily functioning.

Throughout the proceedings, the evaluation highlighted the ongoing pattern of coercive control, secrecy, and manipulation that defined the relationship. The prosecution and witnesses painted a consistent picture of a cycle of intimidation designed to subdue the victim, a pattern the court recognized as essential to understanding the nature of the crimes.

The legal outcome reflects a recognition of the severity of gender-based violence and its lasting consequences on the victim’s mental health and daily life. The court’s findings underscore the need to address not only physical harm but the pervasive control that can accompany abusive relationships, and they place a strong emphasis on safeguarding the victim from further harm.

According to the record, multiple testimonies from teachers, family members, and peers contributed to a more complete understanding of the abuse. The judge noted that early intervention and ongoing support are crucial for breaking cycles of violence and helping victims regain autonomy and safety. The verdict stands as a formal acknowledgment of the victim’s plight and a commitment to holding perpetrators accountable for coercive control and sexual violence.

In the end, the documented sequence of events reveals how power dynamics, fear, and manipulation can trap a person in a dangerous relationship. The ruling serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing signs of abuse, providing support, and ensuring that legal systems respond firmly to protect victims and deter future harm.

These conclusions, drawn from court testimony and corroborated by witnesses, illustrate the impact of gender-based violence on the victim’s life and the community’s obligation to respond with justice. The record emphasizes that safety, accountability, and restorative measures are essential elements in addressing such crimes.

records, August 2021 – Alicante jurisdiction. Attribution: official court proceedings and testimonies presented during the case.

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