Guayaquil man sentenced for abusing stepdaughter

In Guayaquil, authorities arrested a man accused of physically assaulting a young girl in the Guasmo Sur sector. The incident, which involved the child being dragged and struck, was captured on video and circulated widely on social media.

Interior Minister John Reimberg confirmed the arrest of the suspect, identified as the child’s stepfather. Following the arrest, the Ministry of Labor and Human Development activated special protection protocols to provide the victim and her mother with psychological, legal, and social assistance. President Daniel Noboa addressed the case, stating that those who harm vulnerable children will not go unpunished.

A judge has since sentenced 32-year-old Carlos Iván Q. A. to 40 days of imprisonment. Following his arrest by the National Police, the perpetrator was transferred to the Esmeraldas prison to serve his sentence. Authorities noted that the child's mother was also a victim of violence.

The case drew significant public indignation. President Noboa emphasized the severity of the situation on social media, stating that ‘in Ecuador, no one is safe’ and reiterating that those who harm children will face justice. The child is currently receiving specialized care in a shelter.