Mother, stepdad charged with sex abuse of daughters

Police charged a mother with five counts of failing to report the suspected rape of her daughters, 17 and 14, by her boyfriend.

Police charged the boyfriend with seven counts of sexual penetration of a child and one count of sexually touching a child.

Police said the elder sister made a report to the Mayaro Police Station that she and her sister had been sexually assaulted by her stepfather for several years. The child told police the mother was aware of the abuse but made no effort to stop it.

A press release on Monday said police investigated the matter and the mother, 36, and stepfather,40, were arrested and charged. They were expected to appear before a Mayaro Magistrate on Monday.

The Children Protection Unit (CPU) reminded parents and guardians to be cautious when it comes to the care and supervision of their children.

"The CPU stresses that many times, children fall victim to crimes and abuse by those closely-knitted to their family, and as such, it is incumbent of parents to be extremely vigilant and constantly screen those who are interacting with their children," the release said.