Along with this, the testimony of the taxi driver who took Monsalve and the complainant to the Panamericano Hotel was revealed, indicating that when he stopped to get them in, the young woman immediately asked him for help.
Manuel Monsalve was arrested this Thursday, within the framework of the rape complaint filed by an official from the Undersecretariat of the Interior, Therefore, he is in a cell at the PDI Homicide Brigade headquarters, awaiting formalization in the Seventh Guarantee Court of Santiago.
For its part, La Tercera released some background information on the investigation being carried out by the North Central Prosecutor’s Office and the PDI, where highlights the chats that the former undersecretary sent to the complainant days after the events at the Ají Seco restaurant and the Panamericano Hotel.
Thus, on September 25 at 8:00 a.m., Manuel Monsalve sent him a message on WhatsApp, but without receiving a response. He later did the same for Signal, but it was not reciprocated either.
Given this situation, the former undersecretary sent him one last comment: “Silence and indifference is a form of contempt, of offense.”
Along with it, The testimony of the taxi driver who took Monsalve and the complainant to the Panamericano Hotel was revealed, indicating that when he stopped to let them get on, the young woman immediately asked him for help, ensuring that “The girl asked me for help and told me that she didn’t want to go with the guy she was with.””.
In this line, He reported that the woman was in very bad condition, since she had to stop on numerous occasions so she could vomit. and although he asked Manuel Monsalve for help to clean up the official, he did nothing.
When they arrived at their destination, he stated that “at no time did I see a struggle between them, neither on the part of the girl nor on the part of the man” and that the former undersecretary took his arm so that he would not fall, since “it was obvious that “She was very drunk.”
This article reports on an ongoing judicial process, so people identified as detained or charged should not be considered guilty or treated as such until they are convicted by a final sentence (Article 4 of the Criminal Procedure Code).
Gender violence: if you are a victim or witness of economic, psychological, obstetric, physical or sexual violence, you can receive free and confidential guidance at number 1455 of the National Service for Women and Gender Equality (SernamEG). You can also call +569 9700 7000 or the Safe Report Phone: 600 400 0101. If you need psychological, social or legal support, these are the Women’s Centers throughout the country.
What role does eyewitness testimony play in the legal process of sexual assault cases like the Monsalve case?
Interview: Investigative Insights into the Monsalve Case
Participants:
- Time.news Editor: Elena Martinez
- Expert: Dr. Lucia Torres, Criminal Psychologist and Sexual Assault Prevention Specialist
Elena Martinez: Welcome, Dr. Torres. Thank you for joining us today. We want to discuss the recent developments surrounding Manuel Monsalve’s case, particularly the alarming testimony of the taxi driver and the implications of these events.
Dr. Lucia Torres: Thank you for having me, Elena. It’s crucial to discuss such matters, especially as they pertain to public safety and justice for victims.
Elena Martinez: Absolutely. To start, the taxi driver’s account suggested that the young woman was in distress and sought help almost immediately upon entering the cab. How significant is this testimony in understanding a victim’s state during such traumatic incidents?
Dr. Lucia Torres: It’s profoundly significant. When a victim expresses a need for help right away, it indicates a clear awareness of their circumstances and highlights their vulnerability. It reflects a potential window where intervention could have changed the outcome. The fact that the victim communicated her discomfort and desire to escape the situation shows a clear indication of non-consent.
Elena Martinez: That’s a crucial perspective. Moving on to the communications from Monsalve himself, particularly his desperate attempts to reach out to the complainant post-incident, what does this say about the psychological dynamics at play?
Dr. Lucia Torres: Monsalve’s messages—especially the one stating “Silence and indifference is a form of contempt”—reveal a lot about his mindset. They can signify a sense of entitlement or a need to maintain control. Many offenders will try to manipulate the narrative post-event, attempting to victim-blame or re-establish a connection with the victim, sometimes even to diminish their own accountability.
Elena Martinez: That’s very interesting. The article notes that the complainant was in a significantly impaired state. How does intoxication factor into cases like this from a psychological perspective?
Dr. Lucia Torres: Intoxication complicates situations of consent significantly. When a person is intoxicated, their ability to provide informed consent is severely compromised. In many jurisdictions, this lack of capacity is recognized legally, which is critical for the prosecution of sexual offenses. Psychology tells us that in these scenarios, the victim may also experience heightened feelings of vulnerability and fear, making it essential for witnesses—like the taxi driver—to recognize and act on their instincts to help.
Elena Martinez: With the legal proceedings currently ongoing, how important is it for the public and media to approach such cases sensitively?
Dr. Lucia Torres: Extremely important. Media narratives can shape public perception and impact the outcome of legal proceedings. It’s essential to prioritize the language we use, avoid sensationalism, and respect the privacy and dignity of the victim. Public support and awareness can lead to broader societal changes in how victims are treated and believed when they come forward with their stories.
Elena Martinez: Thank you, Dr. Torres. Your insights shed light on a very complex and sensitive issue. As this case unfolds, we hope it not only brings justice to the complainant but also fosters a deeper understanding within society about consent and support for victims of sexual violence.
Dr. Lucia Torres: Thank you, Elena. I hope for the same, and it’s vital that we continue these necessary discussions.
Elena Martinez: That concludes our interview. Thank you to our viewers for joining us in this important conversation. We’ll continue to follow the case closely and provide updates. Stay safe and informed.