With its publication in the official newspaper La Gaceta, the law that punishes improper and abusive relations came into force on January 13th.
The Act amends articles of the Criminal Code and it will sanction with imprisonment anyone who has sexual relationships (oral, anal or vaginal sex) with a minor. Since it is not a crime of rape, it will apply in the following cases:
-With a prison term of 3 to 6 years when the victim is over 13 years old and under 15 years old, and the author is 5 or more years older.
-With a prison term of 2 to 3 years when the victim is over 15 years old and under 18 years old, and the author is 7 or more years older.
-With imprisonment of 4 to 10 years when the author is related to the victim: uncle, aunt, brother or sister, cousin or cousin by consanguinity or affinity, legal guardian or it is in a position of authority regarding the victim or his/her family.
The law also amends articles of the Family Code and prohibits marriage with people under 18 years old. The law was passed on second reading in October 2016.
Authorities and citizens applauded this law, which aims to legally protect minors in situations of gender violence associated with abusive relationships. Prior to this legislation, the country’s data reflected a sad reality for minors:
-Between the years 2009-2014, 2,450 girls aged 10 to 14 years became mothers and 26 boys aged 10 to 14 years became fathers.
-The National Census conducted in 2011 indicated that more than 10,000 girls and adolescents aged 12 to 17 years were married or in a free union.