A court ruling in Castellón has sentenced a man to 11 years in prison for sexually abusing his underage daughter over six years, from the time the girl was just seven years old. The judicial decision closes a case of domestic violence that reflects a reality affecting dozens of minors in Spain each year: sexual abuse within the family unit, where trust should be absolute.

How the systematic abuse began

According to 20minutos.es, contact between the accused and the minor started with kisses and touching of intimate areas that gradually escalated. The abuser used the pretext of "teaching" the girl to justify the assaults, a common pattern in child abuse cases where the perpetrator attempts to normalize their criminal behaviour to the victim.

What began with touching evolved into repeated penetration over the years, causing profound trauma to a victim who was completely vulnerable and dependent on her abuser.

A sentence of justice after years of silence

The sentence of 11 years represents judicial recognition of the severity of crimes committed against a defenceless minor. In Spain, sexual abuse of minors is prosecuted with maximum severity, especially when it occurs within the family environment where the minor has the right to be protected.

So far, no information has been disclosed about other case details, such as the victim's current age, when the case was reported, or whether other precautionary measures were taken during investigation. What is clear is that the justice system has acted.

The silent problem of intrafamilial abuse

This case highlights a problem that organisations such as the Ombudsman and child protection associations constantly point out: many abuses occur within the family, where silence and economic dependence of victims complicate their reporting. Children abused by a close relative have greater difficulty seeking help, generating prolonged psychological trauma.

• Duration of abuse: six years
• Age at onset: seven years
• Type of crime: rape and repeated sexual abuse
• Jurisdiction: Courts in Castellón (Valencia Community)
• Sentence: 11 years in prison

What happens now?

With this conviction, the sentenced man will enter the Spanish prison system to serve his sentence. Additionally, he will likely be imposed further measures such as restraining orders against the victim and post-penitentiary restrictions common in this type of crime. The victim, for her part, will have the right to compensation and access to psychological support services through specialised programmes.

Cases like this underscore the importance of abused minors finding the courage and support needed to report, and of adults in their environment—educators, healthcare professionals, distant relatives—being alert to warning signs that may indicate abuse.