SINGAPORE — A man was charged with child abuse after violently striking his girlfriend’s 11-year-old daughter, using a leather belt to hit the child more than 20 times. The girl, who has special needs, sustained injuries to her face, arms, and legs, leading to her hospitalization for 10 days.

The girl’s mother, who was present throughout the incident, allowed the man to continue the abuse and has also pleaded guilty to charges of knowingly permitting the ill-treatment of her child. Both individuals, both 36, were responsible for the care of the child, who has autism, a fluency disorder, and dyslexia, with a later diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder following the abuse.

Court documents revealed that the abuse occurred over a series of incidents beginning when the man moved in with the mother and daughter in February 2020. While the man and child initially had a close relationship, tensions grew, and the couple resorted to corporal punishment, using objects such as hangers and canes to discipline the child for perceived misbehavior.

The Abuse

The abuse escalated between June and August 2020, with the man and the mother using various forms of punishment, including having the child stand for extended periods with her backpack. On August 23, 2020, after discovering the child had been asking her teachers for money due to losing her pocket money, the man became enraged. He struck the girl multiple times with a cane and, when it did not have the desired effect, switched to using his leather belt.

The man struck her on the arms, legs, and face, causing extensive bruising. Despite the severity of the assault, the mother did nothing to intervene and allowed the abuse to continue.

Teacher’s Intervention

Two days later, on August 24, 2020, the girl’s teacher noticed the severe bruising on her body when she arrived at school. Concerned, the teacher spoke to the girl, who explained the abuse and expressed fear of returning home. The teacher alerted the school, which contacted the Ministry of Social and Family Development.

A child protection officer took the girl to KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, where she was treated for her injuries and remained for 10 days. Later that night, police arrested the man and the mother.

Legal Proceedings

The man and the mother have both pleaded guilty to their charges. The man faces up to eight years in prison or a fine of up to S$8,000 for ill-treating a child under the Children and Young Persons Act. The mother, charged with allowing the ill-treatment of a child in her care, could face the same sentence. Their sentencing has been postponed to next month.

This case has brought renewed attention to the protection of vulnerable children, particularly those with special needs, who are at increased risk of abuse.