Kratie police said a 21-year-old woman was repeatedly raped by an older man living next-door, the crime coming to light only after she went to the hospital five months pregnant.
Nou Ratana, deputy provincial police chief, said the victim in Chit Borei district suffered from cognitive impairments and seizures. Khin Sok, 39, a next-door neighbor, had taken advantage of her disabilities and repeatedly raped her, she said.
Sok was arrested for the crime on Monday, Ratana said. The victim had not spoken to anyone about the rape, but it was discovered during a hospital check-up. Sok had then confessed, she said.
“We have sent her to the social affairs center, and it will implement its role to help the victim. And they will help raise and take care of the child, or look for an NGO that can help raise the child.”
The police deputy said she had now dealt with several cases of rape against women with mental disabilities.
“They are exposed and vulnerable,” Ratana said. “For this case, she could talk, but sometimes she would not be taken seriously — sometimes she would say this and then that.”
“The suspects believe that the victims will not be able to tell the story to other people.”
