A Brazilian father and husband is accused by police of imprisoning and s*xually abusing his wife, their seven children, and his mother-in-law for two decades, according to multiple reports.
The alleged crimes were uncovered after one of the daughters escaped from their home in Novo Oriente de Minas, Minas Gerais, local police confirmed to several Brazilian outlets, including Guia Muriae, Diario Do Rio Doce, and O Tempo.
The 54-year-old man, whose name has not been disclosed, allegedly held his 40-year-old wife captive for nearly the entirety of their marriage, according to Herika Ribeiro Sena of the Regional Civil Police station in Teofilo Otoni, as reported by the aforementioned outlets.
“The victim only left the house to receive benefits and was often accompanied by him,” Sena stated. “None of the neighbors knew her, and even her relatives didn’t have access to her.” (Translation of quotes varies slightly among the outlets.)
The couple’s children, aged between 3 and 22, were also subjected to ab*se, the police reported. According to O Tempo and Folhadoes, the daughters alleged that they were s*xually abused by their father. Additionally, police claimed the man drilled holes in the house walls to observe the daughters while they showered and changed clothes.
The man is also accused of s*xually abusing his now-deceased mother-in-law, who police allege died after falling ill without receiving proper care. Furthermore, he is accused of burying three fetuses on the property after forcing his wife to miscarry by administering medication, per Guia Muriae and O Tempo.
The man faces charges of false imprisonment, r*pe of a vulnerable person, psychological v!olence, abortion, and concealment of a corpse, according to reports from Sena, Diario Do Rio Doce, O Tempo, and Folhadoes.
“What this daughter did is very important: bringing what was happening to the public so that action could be taken,” Sena remarked.
The suspect is in custody and has denied all charges against him, as reported by Guia Muriae, Diario Do Rio Doce, and O Tempo.