Conviction

GUATEMALA CITY, GUATEMALA – Last week, a man was sentenced to 52 years in prison for a brutal sexual assault. For the survivor, 8-year-old Lucía,* the sentence was another step forward on a long and difficult road of healing.

“We hadn’t seen this level of physical violence before,” said IJM psychologist Miriam Cruz.  “Lucía was the most physically injured of any case we have had. She suffered severe trauma.” Lucia’s perpetrator broke into her family’s house during the night last year. He raped her and beat her so violently she fell unconscious, then left her nearly dead.

GUATEMALA CITY, GUATEMALA – Late last month, a man was sentenced to nine years in prison for rape and violence, after the survivor of his assault courageously recounted the violent attack in court. The testimony was key to securing the conviction, and it highlighted Pilar's* amazing transformation.

 CHENNAI, INDIA – Today, three rice mill owners who ran their businesses using slave labor were convicted of criminal charges. Each of the three perpetrators was fined and sentenced to prison, a significant ruling communicating a strong message that forced labor slavery is a crime punishable by law in India.

“These decisions are a powerful reminder that there are serious consequences to using forced labor,” said IJM Chennai’s Field Office Director Andy Griffiths.

GUATEMALA CITY, GUATEMALA – Earlier this week, after a hearing had been cancelled and rescheduled five times, the man who abused Samanta* when she was 5 years old was sentenced to 9 years and 3 months in prison for continued sexual aggression. Her brave testimony was the final piece of evidence that solidified the case – and the justice secured was an important step in her family's restoration.