Minister demands justice for 85-year-old woman raped at home

A sexual assault on an elderly woman has been denounced as “the worst manifestation of elderly abuse” by a government minister who has demanded the full force of the law on the assailant.

The incident, which took place at Kensington New Road, St Michael, involved an 85-year-old woman, prompting calls from officials for increased community vigilance and support for elderly residents.

The Barbados Police Service confirmed they received a report of the sexual assault last Sunday and said that investigations are at a sensitive stage.

Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs Kirk Humphrey called the incident “reprehensible” and demanded maximum legal penalties for the perpetrators. 

“If indeed persons have done this and are convicted of such, I hope they get the fullest treatment the law provides,” he said.

Humphrey vowed the ministry’s full support to help and protect the elderly and advised Barbadians to be guardians of their neighbours: “I would also advise neighbours and families to check in on their elderly relatives as much as possible.”

Speaking at the Barbados Association of Retired Persons (BARP) 29th-anniversary picnic at the National Botanical Gardens, President Marilyn Rice-Bowen expressed grave concern about the incident and the impact on elderly residents.

President of the Barbados Association of Retired Persons, Marilyn Rice-Bowen. (LG)

“Everybody in Barbados ought to feel safe when you are home, and to think that someone can break into a senior’s home and apart from burglarising the home, actually raping the senior. It’s not a comforting thought,” she said.

Rice-Bowen, who called for swift apprehension of the perpetrator, extended wishes of strength to the victim during her recovery. (LG)