MOSCOW, August 25 (RIA Novosti) – The relationship between the perpetrator and victim in cases of sexual abuse of children must be considered as an aggravating factor if the crime is committed by a parent or relative, Russian Investigative Committee spokesman Vladimir Markin said in an interview with RIA Novosti.
An analysis of criminal cases shows that the vast majority of crimes against the sexual integrity of children is committed by those who live with a child or by someone who knows him or her, Markin said.
"In this regard, we consider it appropriate to expand the list of people who get an aggravating circumstance when they commit crimes against a minor. We suggest introducing a close relative or any other to this list, a spouse or a common-law partner of the parent, a family member of the person, who is legally responsible for the upbringing of a minor, as well as a person living in the same dwelling with a minor," Markin said.
The spokesman added that it is also necessary to consider tightening penalties for concealing crimes committed against children and adolescents.
