Argentina's Chubut Supreme Court overturns father's acquittal in child abuse case

The Superior Tribunal de Justicia of Chubut province unanimously nullified a lower‑court decision that had acquitted a father of simple sexual abuse, aggravated by the familial relationship, of his four‑year‑old daughter in Esquel. The court found the original judge erred by applying adult credibility standards to the child's testimony, ignoring scientific and expert evidence that confirmed the abuse. It ordered the case to be sent back to the Esquel judicial office for a new trial conducted under proper child‑protection standards and in line with international conventions on children's rights.

The ruling underscores the province’s obligation to assess abuse allegations with a child‑focused perspective, rejecting any “arbitrary” or “confused” interpretations of the minor’s account. The decision reflects a broader commitment to uphold gender‑and‑child‑sensitive jurisprudence in Argentina.