A Utah mother and stepfather were arrested and charged with sexually assaulting their own 15-year-old daughter — allegedly telling police that they wanted to teach the teen about relationships that way because they felt it was "safer" than her having sex with random people.
According to an affidavit obtained by local outlet KSL, the teenager contacted the police on Thursday and reported that her father had been sexually assaulting her for over a year.
Utah Parents Charged with Sex Crimes Against Daughter
The daughter was reportedly approached by her parents at the age of 14, following her mother's discovery of her interest in reaching and engaging in sexual activities with strangers, as outlined in official documents.
According to a report by AB 4, the mother found online conversations and Snapchat images showing the girl in compromising situations, causing concern. The couple allegedly purchased sex gear for the girl and gave her instructions on how to use it, reports say.
The couple, who were taken into custody by the Provo Police Department on Thursday, are now charged with a number of crimes. The stepfather is accused of conducting a variety of felonies, including rape, forcible sexual abuse, forcible sodomy, and object rape. On the other hand, the mother is accused of forcible sexual abuse, forcible sodomy, and object rape.
Local media outlets such as KSL, KTVX, and KUTV have made the decision to suppress the identity of the said victimr to protect their reputations and adhere to moral guidelines. There are reports that indicate that the parents became aware of their daughter's online activities with strangers and found explicit content on her Snapchat page more than a year ago.
An alarming turn in the case occurred when the couple, who are parents to four other children, reportedly argued that educating the victim about sexual topics and engaging in intimate actions with her would provide better protection than her future experiences with strangers, as detailed in court records.
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Allegations of Encouraging Daughter's Online Encounters
The victim, during interactions with both law enforcement and medical personnel, disclosed enduring sexual assaults perpetrated by her stepfather over an extended period.
A further point to consider is that the stepfather allegedly admitted to the authorities that he had sexual interactions with the child. According to reports from ABC 4, he was said to be admitted to bathing with the child and purchasing sexual stuff for her. He also admitted to purchasing sexual items for her.
Based on the documents concerning their arrest, the woman confronted her husband about allegations of engaging in sexual activity with the teenager. Both individuals are currently in custody without bail, as indicated by jail records. It's still uncertain if they have entered a plea or hired a lawyer to represent them.
In the event of suspected child abuse, individuals are urged to contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or visit www.childhelp.org for confidential assistance available in over 170 languages, emphasizing the toll-free and confidential nature of the service.
Texting "STRENGTH" to 741-741 is a way to connect with an experienced trouble counselor through the Crisis Text Line. Those who are aware of instances of sexual abuse or who have been victims of such abuse are encouraged to take action this.
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