Eventually Died Covered in Bruises... Child Abuse That Could Not Be Prevented Despite Multiple Reports

Death of 16-Month-Old Adopted Child Due to Neglect and Abuse
Multiple Abuse Reports Before Death Revealed
National Petition Board: "Shocking Missed Opportunities Despite Child Abuse Reports"
Experts: "Upon Child Abuse Reports, Thorough Investigation and Victim Separation Must Be Ensured"

Photo by MBC News Desk capture

[Asia Economy Reporters Seunggon Han and Yeongeun Kim] A tragic incident occurred where a 16-month-old adopted child, who was brought to the hospital covered in bruises, ultimately died. It has been revealed that there were multiple reports suspecting abuse before the child’s death. As a result, calls for more practical measures are growing louder.

Miss A was admitted to the hospital on the 13th of last month with severe injuries to her abdomen and brain but eventually passed away. The cause of death was 'abdominal injury caused by external force.' According to police investigations, Miss A’s adoptive parents adopted her when she was six months old in January and habitually abused and neglected her.

Miss A’s adoptive mother repeatedly neglected her, such as leaving her crying alone in the underground parking lot while taking her biological daughter out to eat, and abused her by forcefully pushing the stroller against a wall or grabbing the child’s neck with her hand.

Mother A, accused of abuse resulting in the death of a 16-month-old adopted child, is leaving the courthouse after a pre-arrest detention hearing at the Southern District Court in Yangcheon-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 11th. Photo by Yonhap News

The problem lies in the fact that reports of child abuse related to Miss A were filed multiple times since May. In May, a staff member at the daycare Miss A attended noticed bruises on her body and made the first report. A month later, a resident reported to the child protection agency that the child was left alone in a car.

Last month, the pediatrician Miss A visited reported to the police after noticing suspicious wounds on the child’s body and a weight loss of about 1kg, judging that something was wrong. However, the police and child protection agencies failed to find evidence of abuse each time and returned Miss A to her parents.

Ultimately, Miss A died from ruptured intestines caused by pressure from a foot or a heavy object, along with fractures to her skull, ribs, and clavicle.

On online community sites such as mom cafes, reactions have included, "The lukewarm response is truly heartbreaking. Despite multiple reports, if only they had properly investigated...," "It’s frustrating and sad that the death couldn’t be prevented despite several abuse reports," and "I’m so angry and upset that I’m in tears."

Photo by Cheongwadae National Petition Post Capture

In connection with this, a petition titled "16-month-old adopted child who died covered in bruises had three abuse reports" was posted on the Blue House’s national petition board last month.

The petitioner stated, "The most shocking part of this case is that child abuse was reported three times but those opportunities were missed," and added, "Why did the police send the parents and child back home? I believe the police response procedures for reports related to domestic violence need to be systematically strengthened."

Experts emphasize that above all, the seriousness of abuse itself, including neglect, must be recognized.

Gong Hyejeong, president of the Korea Child Abuse Prevention Association, said, "There is still a lack of awareness that takes child abuse seriously, so many reports are just overlooked," and urged, "It is necessary to have sensitivity and attentiveness toward child abuse first and foremost."

President Gong pointed out, "No matter how many reports are made, the police or courts often do not take neglect seriously and do not file charges," adding, "For other crimes (not child abuse), when a report is made, investigations are conducted, and evidence is collected if suspicious behavior is found to uncover the truth. But in cases of child abuse, if the parent involved says 'I didn’t do it,' investigators tend to just accept it and move on, which is problematic."

She also emphasized, "Because they are parents, the suspects in a clear case should not be released back home without separating them from the victim. Reports should be taken seriously and investigated thoroughly."