This case has been cited 2 times or more.
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2013-11-13 |
LEONARDO-DE CASTRO, J. |
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| Contrary to the assertions of accused-appellant, the fact that AAA was not able to escape when she had the opportunity to do so, her continued visit to their home after the incident, and her delay in filing the complaint does not at all contradict her credibility. As discussed by the Court of Appeals, when a rape victim is paralyzed with fear, she cannot be expected to think and act coherently. Her failure to take advantage of an opportunity to escape does not automatically vitiate the credibility of her account.[29] Similarly, in People v. Lazaro,[30] we propounded on the impropriety of judging the actions of child rape victims by the norms of behavior that can be expected from adults under similar circumstances: It is not uncommon for a young girl to conceal for some time the assault on her virtue. Her initial hesitation may be due to her youth and the molester's threat against her. Besides, rape victims, especially child victims, should not be expected to act the way mature individuals would when placed in such a situation. It is not proper to judge the actions of children who have undergone traumatic experience by the norms of behavior expected from adults under similar circumstances. x x x. It is, thus, unrealistic to expect uniform reactions from them. Certainly, the Court has not laid down any rule on how a rape victim should behave immediately after she has been violated. This experience is relative and may be dealt with in any way by the victim depending on the circumstances, but her credibility should not be tainted with any modicum of doubt. Indeed, different people react differently to a given stimulus or type of situation, and there is no standard form of behavioral response when one is confronted with a strange or startling or frightful experience. x x x. (Citations omitted.) | |||||
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2011-06-01 |
VELASCO JR., J. |
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| Inasmuch as the crime of rape is essentially committed in relative isolation or even secrecy, it is usually only the victim who can testify with regard to the fact of the forced sexual intercourse. Therefore, in a prosecution for rape, the credibility of the victim is almost always the single and most important issue to deal with. Thus, if the victim's testimony meets the test of credibility, the accused can justifiably be convicted on the basis of this testimony; otherwise, the accused should be acquitted of the crime.[30] | |||||