This case has been cited 1 times or more.
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2003-09-12 |
PER CURIAM |
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| The records show that Rhoda did not immediately reveal the rapes because of the fear that her father's death threats had caused her.[40] It is common for a young girl at the tender age of a little less than 11 years to be intimidated into silence even by the mildest threat against her life and thus conceal for some time the violation of her dignity.[41] At that young age and with the naiveté and innocence that comes with provincial upbringing, Rhoda was undoubtedly under her father's moral authority and influence. With appellant's ascendancy over Rhoda, coupled with his threats on her, Rhoda could not possibly be expected to come out in the open. It took her almost 3 months to gather enough courage to reveal her ordeal. It is settled that delay in reporting a rape case due to threats is justified.[42] Here, appellant threatened complainant with death. | |||||