An increase in statutory rape cases have been reported in the country, the police said yesterday. Police spokesman SP Ajith Rohana said that they have detected an increase in statutory rape cases this year when compared with previous years.

Statutory rape is when a person engages in sex with consent or without consent of an underage person.

SP Rohana said girls between the ages of 13 and 16 are especially vulnerable and are party to these cases.

“There is a moral obligation with all the stake holders in society to prevent such unfortunate incidents. The police are doing their part and up to now we have solved 1,400 rape cases having arrested all the suspects involved in these cases,” he said. 

There should be awareness in society to curtail these incidents. The highest number of incidents was reported in the Western Province followed by the North Central Province, Sabaragamuwa Province and in the Southern Province.

“These underage girls should be taught about the consequences of their behaviour. Also the parents and their children should have a strong relationship,” he added.

A total of 1,637 rape cases had been reported to the police during this year, the police said. (Supun Dias)