Panama Public Ministry registers over 4,500 sexual offense complaints this year

Panama's Public Ministry is handling a significant caseload of sexual offenses, with over 4,500 complaints registered so far this year. These cases constitute the second-highest category of reported crimes, following a broader tally of over 17,000 complaints for various offenses. The highest concentration of these sexual offense reports is in the province of Panama, followed by Chiriquí, Colón, Coclé, and Panamá Oeste.

The data reveals a disturbing trend: the majority of victims are girls and adolescents between the ages of 10 and 17. A key challenge highlighted by Yamilka Troncoso, executive secretary of the Victim Protection Secretariat, is that the perpetrators are frequently individuals known to the victims, often within their family circle, such as uncles, grandfathers, or stepfathers. This proximity creates complex emotional ties that can make it difficult for victims to come forward and report the abuse.

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Generally they are known people, from the family circle. We are talking about uncles, grandparents, stepfathers, people who are part of the family environment.

To address these sensitive cases, the Public Ministry provides an interdisciplinary team, including psychologists, social workers, and legal assistants, to support the victims. Specialized technological tools, like the Cámara Gesell, are employed to conduct interviews in environments designed to minimize further emotional distress. Authorities are reiterating their call for the public to report any incidents that threaten sexual freedom and integrity, particularly those involving children and adolescents, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive support from both institutions and families throughout the investigation process.

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It is very difficult to protect the child and for them not to have that emotional contradiction of 'I tell, I don't tell'.