RISE Bahamas has joined activists in demanding harsher penalties for violent and sexual crimes against children following last week’s sentencing of a man who molested his three-year-old twin daughters.

Denise Major, the group’s president, has recommended a minimum sentence of 25 years for such offenses, calling child sexual abuse in The Bahamas an “epidemic”.

“We can no longer allow these issues to be brushed under the rug and are calling on the government to strengthen related laws.”

Debate over stronger protections for women and children reignited this week after the man, who pleaded guilty to molesting his twin daughters was sentenced to five years in prison—sparking outrage from women’s rights groups, who called the punishment too lenient.

The father, whose name is withheld to protect the minors’ identities, was charged with two counts of indecent assault after reportedly rubbing the genitals of one of his daughters and climbing on top of her between June and July last year.

His teenage daughter, who witnessed the incident, wept as she recounted what happened, leading him to change his plea on Friday.

Under the Sexual Offences Act, the maximum penalty for indecent assault is eight years if tried on information and three years if tried summarily.

Ms Major said lenient sentences for crimes against children have been an ongoing issue.

“Year after year, we have witnessed countless lenient sentenced given to adults that harm children, scarring them for life. Rise Bahamas and our supporters are calling for stiffer penalties for violent and sex crimes against children.”

She added that offenders should receive psychological evaluation, intervention, treatment, and preventative programmes during incarceration.

The group is also pushing to raise the legal age of consent to 18 across the board.

According to Rise Bahamas, over 3,000 people had signed its petition “ Improve child protection legislation in The Bahamas” up to press time yesterday.