The Bhutanese Leading the way.
A deeply troubling case of child abuse has emerged in Paro, involving a young girl with a physical disability who was subjected to alleged sexual assault and abuse by her adoptive father and an acquaintance of her adoptive family. The abuse reportedly took place over a period of six months.
The case came to light on 15 October 2024, when the child, who uses a wheelchair, shared her experiences with staff at a shelter after being removed from her home environment for her protection. The Royal Bhutan Police (RBP) immediately launched an investigation, and both the adoptive father and the family acquaintance are currently in custody.
According to RBP, the suspects took advantage of the child’s reliance on them for assistance with daily needs. This dependency left her particularly vulnerable. The young girl, who was adopted as a baby, had not been enrolled in school due to her disability. Authorities report that her adoptive parents were unaware of her condition at the time of the adoption.
During police questioning, both suspects admitted to the abuse, although due to the circumstances, the child was unable to provide specific dates for each incident. Officials clarified that the child does not have a cognitive disability, which enabled her to recount the nature of the abuse.
The PEMA Secretariat and RENEW have taken steps to provide the child with assessment and counseling services to support her recovery. Her adoptive mother, currently receiving medical treatment in another dzongkhag, has not yet been informed of her daughter’s experience.
The RBP confirmed that investigations are ongoing, and both suspects remain in custody.
The case brings to light the need to take measures to protect children with disabilities who are more vulnerable.
