Mato Grosso stepfather indicted for prolonged sexual abuse and maltreatment of children

The Civil Police of Brazil's Mato Grosso state indicted a man on Friday for continuous rape of his 19‑year‑old stepdaughter, allegedly beginning when she was four, and for severe maltreatment of the family’s other children, including two non‑verbal children with autism aged six and eleven. The investigation, conducted by a specialized task force, documented ongoing physical aggression, threats, neglect, food deprivation, lack of basic medication and unsanitary living conditions.

The stepfather was initially arrested for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition found in the home, but was released after a custody hearing on the weapons charge. He remains charged with aggravated sexual abuse of a vulnerable person and child maltreatment. The mother was also indicted for the same crimes in the form of improper omission, having failed to protect her children despite knowledge of the abuse. Protective orders now prohibit any contact between the suspects and the victims, and the case has been forwarded to the state prosecutor and judiciary.

The case highlights systemic failures in protecting vulnerable children and has prompted public outcry in Brazil.