Spain is grappling with the horror of a brutal family abuse case after a man was sentenced to 19 years in prison for keeping his 83-year-old mother as a prisoner and r@ping her almost daily in their home in Chiclana de la Frontera.
The 47-year-old man, identified only as Rafael CDVM by Spanish media, was convicted by the Provincial Court of Cádiz after shocking details of prolonged abuse emerged. Court documents described the living situation as a “hellish and terrifying environment” for the elderly victim.
The case came to light in spring 2023, when two caregivers noticed bloodstains on the elderly woman’s underwear during a routine visit. They had also witnessed Rafael threatening to kick his mother and rip her head off, further fueling their concerns.
In conversations overheard by the carers, the victim expressed her fear, saying:
> “My little boy slept here today, and I don’t want him to. I don’t want him in my bed.”
Despite Rafael’s constant surveillance over the caregivers and his mother, the staff managed to report their findings multiple times through emails and text messages to their employer. Bruises were often found on the elderly woman’s body, signalling ongoing violence.
Following these reports, social services conducted a welfare visit. During the meeting, the elderly woman confessed that her son had been r@ping her nearly every day. However, tragedy struck when the victim passed away seven months later, meaning her testimony could not be used directly in court.
Nonetheless, the caregivers, a social worker, and a forensic doctor testified during the trial, providing overwhelming evidence against Rafael.
His defense team tried to argue that he suffered from an intellectual disability. However, forensic experts ruled that he had full understanding of his actions, recognizing right from wrong.
In its official statement, the court said:
“This court understands that the defendant generated a hellish and terrifying environment for his mother.”
Spain left outraged by horrific family abuse
The case has sparked widespread outrage across Spain, raising serious questions about the protection of vulnerable elderly citizens and how quickly authorities can intervene in suspected domestic abuse situations.
The court’s harsh sentence of 19 years aims to reflect the gravity of Rafael’s crimes and to send a strong message about the severe consequences of such inhumane acts.
No Comment! Be the first one.