Dad GABRIEL PHELPS has been charged with aggravated murder in the death of his 29-day-old son. The baby died from unspecified traumatic injuries.
INVISIBLE MOTHER ALERT. Just how is it possible to discuss the murder of a newborn with no mention of the mother who gave birth to him?
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2012274933_childkilling04.html
Portland man charged with death of 29-day-old son
Portland police say they have arrested a man on a charge of killing his 29-day-old son.
PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland police say they have arrested a man on a charge of killing his 29-day-old son.
The police said Saturday that 20-year-old Gabriel Phelps was being held on a charge of aggravated murder.
Police say the infant, Jacoby Phelps, appears to have died of traumatic injuries. The police spokesman, Sgt. Greg Stewart, says autopsy results are expected to be released Saturday or Monday.
Stewart says paramedics were called to the family's home in northeast Portland on Thursday night, and officers arrested the father a day later.
Stewart says he didn't know who placed the call or whether other family members were present when the child died.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Dad found guilty in death of infant daughter (Clarksburg, West Virginia)
Dad WILLIAM MORGAN ECHARD II has been found guilty in the child abuse death of his infant daughter. He could be serving up to 35 years in prison.
Hat tip to Blue.
http://www.cpubco.com/articles/2010/07/04/news/01.txt
Echard found guilty in death of daughter
by Matt Harvey Assistant Managing Editor
Sunday, July 4, 2010 6:34 AM CDT
CLARKSBURG — Emily Maree Echard was on this earth for 147 days — from Feb. 26, 2009, to July 20 of that year — before she died from child abuse.
Now her father, 28-year-old William Morgan Echard II, could be looking at spending about 12,800 days (around 35 years) behind bars for his role in Emily’s death. He will find out more about his possible incarceration on Aug. 25, the date Harrison Circuit Judge Thomas A. Bedell has set for sentencing.
A jury of nine women and three men deliberated a total of about 4 1/2 hours over two days before returning their verdicts in Echard’s trial around noon Friday. Echard sat with two fingers to the right side of his temple, showing no apparent emotion, as the verdicts were read.
Jurors convicted Echard of death of a child by parent, guardian, custodian or other person by child abuse; four counts of child abuse resulting in injury; three counts of child neglect resulting in injury; and one count of presentation of false information regarding a child’s injuries.
The jury acquitted Echard of two counts of child abuse resulting in injury.
The defense has the option of appealing to the state Supreme Court.
Bedell previously had granted a defense motion to dismiss a charge of murder of a child by parent, guardian or custodian or other person by refusal or failure to supply necessities. The judge ruled no evidence had been presented to support the allegations on that charge, which could have sent Echard to prison for life.
On the convictions, jurors specifically found Echard guilty of causing Emily’s death by shaking her on July 16, 2009; and of abusing his daughter by shaking her on April 15, July 7 and July 14 of 2009. They found Echard guilty of squeezing his daughter on April 15, 2009, as well; Assistant Prosecutor Pat McCarty and Harrison Sheriff’s Lt. Pat McCarty had asserted the latter was when Emily suffered two broken ribs.
Jurors also determined Echard failed to obtain medical treatment for his daughter on April 15, July 7 and July 14 of 2009, and that he presented false information to medical personnel in Harrison County on July 16, 2009, as she was taken for treatment — never to return home.
On the acquittals, jurors found Echard innocent of squeezing his daughter’s face July 7, 2009, and throwing her on a deck July 14, 2009.
Harrison Prosecutor Joe Shaffer said he would ask for the maximum possible sentence.
That would be 40 years in prison for death of a child by parent, guardian, custodian or other person by child abuse; a total of four to 20 more years in prison for the four counts of child abuse resulting in injury; a total of three to nine years more in prison for the three counts of child neglect resulting in injury; and up to a year in jail for the misdemeanor of presentation of false information regarding a child’s injuries.
If Bedell hands down the maximum, Echard, without making parole, could discharge the 40-year term in 20 years through day-for-day good time credit; the four counts of child abuse resulting in injury in 10 years through good time credit; the three counts of child neglect resulting in injury in 4 1/2 years through good time credit; and serve the year in jail on the misdemeanor.
But if Bedell sentences Echard to that term, and the defendant is able to make parole at the first possible chance on each charge, he could be released in about 18 years.
Bedell also could run all the sentences at the same time, likely to be requested by defense lawyers Nancy Ulrich and LeAnn Shuck. In that event, Echard would have to serve a minimum of 10 years before becoming eligible for parole.
“We feel it’s appropriate to ask for the maximum possible sentence based on the conduct, and based on the defendant’s lack of acceptance of responsibility,” Shaffer said.
Echard denied wrongdoing during the trial, and said he loved his daughter. Ulrich and Shuck contended their client’s lack of sophistication might have made him easily influenced by McCarty. That was a position rejected by Hall, who pointed to a tape of the statement and the fact that another person was on hand when Echard made those remarks.
Shaffer said McCarty did “a wonderful job” investigating the case, and worked in an “honest and detailed” fashion.
Also, “I think this is the best case that Kurt Hall has ever worked up since he’s been with me,” Shaffer said. “He did a very commendable job in presenting it to the jury.”
Hall has been with Shaffer since the prosecutor took office early this century.
The next step in the case is for codefendant Amber Elizabeth Messenger to have a plea hearing July 27. Messenger, 22 and the child’s mother, is to enter a plea to felony child neglect resulting in death, Hall has said.
Hall and defense attorney April Conner would join in recommending Messenger serve the prison term that accompanies the charge, which is three to 15 years, Hall has said.
Hat tip to Blue.
http://www.cpubco.com/articles/2010/07/04/news/01.txt
Echard found guilty in death of daughter
by Matt Harvey Assistant Managing Editor
Sunday, July 4, 2010 6:34 AM CDT
CLARKSBURG — Emily Maree Echard was on this earth for 147 days — from Feb. 26, 2009, to July 20 of that year — before she died from child abuse.
Now her father, 28-year-old William Morgan Echard II, could be looking at spending about 12,800 days (around 35 years) behind bars for his role in Emily’s death. He will find out more about his possible incarceration on Aug. 25, the date Harrison Circuit Judge Thomas A. Bedell has set for sentencing.
A jury of nine women and three men deliberated a total of about 4 1/2 hours over two days before returning their verdicts in Echard’s trial around noon Friday. Echard sat with two fingers to the right side of his temple, showing no apparent emotion, as the verdicts were read.
Jurors convicted Echard of death of a child by parent, guardian, custodian or other person by child abuse; four counts of child abuse resulting in injury; three counts of child neglect resulting in injury; and one count of presentation of false information regarding a child’s injuries.
The jury acquitted Echard of two counts of child abuse resulting in injury.
The defense has the option of appealing to the state Supreme Court.
Bedell previously had granted a defense motion to dismiss a charge of murder of a child by parent, guardian or custodian or other person by refusal or failure to supply necessities. The judge ruled no evidence had been presented to support the allegations on that charge, which could have sent Echard to prison for life.
On the convictions, jurors specifically found Echard guilty of causing Emily’s death by shaking her on July 16, 2009; and of abusing his daughter by shaking her on April 15, July 7 and July 14 of 2009. They found Echard guilty of squeezing his daughter on April 15, 2009, as well; Assistant Prosecutor Pat McCarty and Harrison Sheriff’s Lt. Pat McCarty had asserted the latter was when Emily suffered two broken ribs.
Jurors also determined Echard failed to obtain medical treatment for his daughter on April 15, July 7 and July 14 of 2009, and that he presented false information to medical personnel in Harrison County on July 16, 2009, as she was taken for treatment — never to return home.
On the acquittals, jurors found Echard innocent of squeezing his daughter’s face July 7, 2009, and throwing her on a deck July 14, 2009.
Harrison Prosecutor Joe Shaffer said he would ask for the maximum possible sentence.
That would be 40 years in prison for death of a child by parent, guardian, custodian or other person by child abuse; a total of four to 20 more years in prison for the four counts of child abuse resulting in injury; a total of three to nine years more in prison for the three counts of child neglect resulting in injury; and up to a year in jail for the misdemeanor of presentation of false information regarding a child’s injuries.
If Bedell hands down the maximum, Echard, without making parole, could discharge the 40-year term in 20 years through day-for-day good time credit; the four counts of child abuse resulting in injury in 10 years through good time credit; the three counts of child neglect resulting in injury in 4 1/2 years through good time credit; and serve the year in jail on the misdemeanor.
But if Bedell sentences Echard to that term, and the defendant is able to make parole at the first possible chance on each charge, he could be released in about 18 years.
Bedell also could run all the sentences at the same time, likely to be requested by defense lawyers Nancy Ulrich and LeAnn Shuck. In that event, Echard would have to serve a minimum of 10 years before becoming eligible for parole.
“We feel it’s appropriate to ask for the maximum possible sentence based on the conduct, and based on the defendant’s lack of acceptance of responsibility,” Shaffer said.
Echard denied wrongdoing during the trial, and said he loved his daughter. Ulrich and Shuck contended their client’s lack of sophistication might have made him easily influenced by McCarty. That was a position rejected by Hall, who pointed to a tape of the statement and the fact that another person was on hand when Echard made those remarks.
Shaffer said McCarty did “a wonderful job” investigating the case, and worked in an “honest and detailed” fashion.
Also, “I think this is the best case that Kurt Hall has ever worked up since he’s been with me,” Shaffer said. “He did a very commendable job in presenting it to the jury.”
Hall has been with Shaffer since the prosecutor took office early this century.
The next step in the case is for codefendant Amber Elizabeth Messenger to have a plea hearing July 27. Messenger, 22 and the child’s mother, is to enter a plea to felony child neglect resulting in death, Hall has said.
Hall and defense attorney April Conner would join in recommending Messenger serve the prison term that accompanies the charge, which is three to 15 years, Hall has said.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Judge: 2-year-old girl must return to abusive dad's family (Orange County, California)
Shame on this unnamed judge. Taking this little girl and returning her to her abusive father's family, people she has never met. The dad, BENJAMIN MILLS JR., even has a prison record for domestic violence. He's such a devoted dad that his own mother has custody of his other two children. This is a familiar pattern with abuser dads. Custody itself is just a trophy. The actual work of raising children is delegated to someone else--either the new girlfriend, second wife, or the abuser's own mother. As long as its not the child's mother. She must be perpetually punished for not doing the abuser's bidding, see.
Yup, I think the adoptive mom's attorney is right. This guy is still angry at the birth mother, and wants to punish her by reclaiming "his property" in defiance of her wishes. Too bad the idiotic judge doesn't see the pattern here. But Daddy's rights must ride slipshod over every other consideration, right?
http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local-beat/Custody-Battle-Judge-Says-Girl-Must-Return-to-Ohio-97686014.html
Custody Battle: Judge Says Girl Must Return to Ohio
The case pitted judges in Orange County against judges in Ohio
By JONATHAN LLOYD and TARA WALLIS-FINESTONE
Updated 12:20 PM PDT, Fri, Jul 2, 2010
A judge ruled Friday that a girl at the center of a two-state custody battle must return to Ohio.
Stacey Doss of Orange County was attempting to retain custody of Vanessa, a 2-year-old girl she's raised since birth. Doss, who is single, started the adoption process in June 2008 after Vanessa's birth in Dayton, Ohio.
Vanessa's father, Benjamin Mills Jr., back in Ohio challenged the adoption and the case landed Friday in an Orange County courtroom.
An Ohio judge ruled last week that Vanessa should be returned to Montgomery County, Ohio, where she would be placed in foster care until officials sort out with whom she should be placed, Doss said.
Doss said she feared judges reviewing the case would decide to return Vanessa to Ohio, where she would be placed in foster care. Two psychiatric experts have prepared reports for Doss concluding that such a move would be a mistake, Doss said.
"This will break this child's heart and spirit and she will not recover," Doss said.
The girl will be cared for by her paternal grandmother.
Doss was given until July 16 to turn over the child. Doss said she will file an immediate appeal.
Patricia J. Robb of Legal Aid of Western Ohio, which is representing Mills, declined to discuss the details of the case before Friday's proceedings.
"For the benefit of all involved, we do not think it is appropriate to discuss the details of the case outside of the courtroom," Robb said. "We have faith that the court process will lead to results that are best for the child.
Doss said she tried for years to become pregnant, but several fertility treatments failed.
"When I got divorced, someone said, 'Gosh, you've wanted it so long, why don't you consider adopting as a single mother?'" Doss said.
Doss, 45, signed up with adoption agencies, and after several discussions with pregnant women did not seem like the right fit, she was introduced to Vanessa's mother in Ohio.
Vanessa arrived earlier than expected June 13, 2008. Doss and the birth mother crammed months of bureaucratic machinations into two weeks of paperwork. Doss flew back to California with Vanessa in time for the Fourth of July two years ago.
"When I was still in Ohio, though, my attorney said, 'Don't panic, but the birth father of the birth mother's other two daughters has come forward and says he thinks he's the birth father (of Vanessa),'" Doss said.
The birth mother claimed the pregnancy was the result of a one-night stand, and the father was not Mills, with whom she had a longstanding relationship, Doss said.
But later, Mills was determined to be the father, she said.
Mills and the birth mother have had a "contentious relationship,'' including several restraining orders against each other and a prison record for Mills for domestic violence, according to Doss, who has cited court records.
Doss also claims Mills has relinquished custody of two daughters to his mother.
"He says he wants custody of (Vanessa), but I don't think he really wants custody of her," Doss said. "I think he's very mad at the birth mother and he believes Vanessa is his property. And, unfortunately, he's made this a racial issue."
Doss flew Mills to California in September to visit with Vanessa, and in the hope she could negotiate a settlement of the dispute. Mills returned to Orange County earlier this month for a supervised visit with his daughter, Doss said.
Yup, I think the adoptive mom's attorney is right. This guy is still angry at the birth mother, and wants to punish her by reclaiming "his property" in defiance of her wishes. Too bad the idiotic judge doesn't see the pattern here. But Daddy's rights must ride slipshod over every other consideration, right?
http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local-beat/Custody-Battle-Judge-Says-Girl-Must-Return-to-Ohio-97686014.html
Custody Battle: Judge Says Girl Must Return to Ohio
The case pitted judges in Orange County against judges in Ohio
By JONATHAN LLOYD and TARA WALLIS-FINESTONE
Updated 12:20 PM PDT, Fri, Jul 2, 2010
A judge ruled Friday that a girl at the center of a two-state custody battle must return to Ohio.
Stacey Doss of Orange County was attempting to retain custody of Vanessa, a 2-year-old girl she's raised since birth. Doss, who is single, started the adoption process in June 2008 after Vanessa's birth in Dayton, Ohio.
Vanessa's father, Benjamin Mills Jr., back in Ohio challenged the adoption and the case landed Friday in an Orange County courtroom.
An Ohio judge ruled last week that Vanessa should be returned to Montgomery County, Ohio, where she would be placed in foster care until officials sort out with whom she should be placed, Doss said.
Doss said she feared judges reviewing the case would decide to return Vanessa to Ohio, where she would be placed in foster care. Two psychiatric experts have prepared reports for Doss concluding that such a move would be a mistake, Doss said.
"This will break this child's heart and spirit and she will not recover," Doss said.
The girl will be cared for by her paternal grandmother.
Doss was given until July 16 to turn over the child. Doss said she will file an immediate appeal.
Patricia J. Robb of Legal Aid of Western Ohio, which is representing Mills, declined to discuss the details of the case before Friday's proceedings.
"For the benefit of all involved, we do not think it is appropriate to discuss the details of the case outside of the courtroom," Robb said. "We have faith that the court process will lead to results that are best for the child.
Doss said she tried for years to become pregnant, but several fertility treatments failed.
"When I got divorced, someone said, 'Gosh, you've wanted it so long, why don't you consider adopting as a single mother?'" Doss said.
Doss, 45, signed up with adoption agencies, and after several discussions with pregnant women did not seem like the right fit, she was introduced to Vanessa's mother in Ohio.
Vanessa arrived earlier than expected June 13, 2008. Doss and the birth mother crammed months of bureaucratic machinations into two weeks of paperwork. Doss flew back to California with Vanessa in time for the Fourth of July two years ago.
"When I was still in Ohio, though, my attorney said, 'Don't panic, but the birth father of the birth mother's other two daughters has come forward and says he thinks he's the birth father (of Vanessa),'" Doss said.
The birth mother claimed the pregnancy was the result of a one-night stand, and the father was not Mills, with whom she had a longstanding relationship, Doss said.
But later, Mills was determined to be the father, she said.
Mills and the birth mother have had a "contentious relationship,'' including several restraining orders against each other and a prison record for Mills for domestic violence, according to Doss, who has cited court records.
Doss also claims Mills has relinquished custody of two daughters to his mother.
"He says he wants custody of (Vanessa), but I don't think he really wants custody of her," Doss said. "I think he's very mad at the birth mother and he believes Vanessa is his property. And, unfortunately, he's made this a racial issue."
Doss flew Mills to California in September to visit with Vanessa, and in the hope she could negotiate a settlement of the dispute. Mills returned to Orange County earlier this month for a supervised visit with his daughter, Doss said.
Custodial dad, girlfriend arrested on child abuse charges (Pasadena, California)
Once again, we have an article that obscures the fact that we have a custodial father/girlfriend household that abused these children. And we know that Daddy JOHNNY MONTERROSO must have been custodial, because the abuse was obviously ongoing and had the mother been custodial, she would have been arrested or at least charged with failure to protect. Or at minimum investigated.
INVISIBLE MOTHER ALERT: Notice that in addition to there being no word about the mother being investigated, there is not word one word about the mother AT ALL. If this case is typical of the many we see here at Dastardly Dads, the mother was shoved out of the picture and denied visitation. It would be so nice if the media would follow up on these things, but they seldom do.
http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/news/ci_15428405
Pasadena couple arrested on suspicion of child abuse
Posted: 07/02/2010 09:59:07 AM PDT
Four children from Pasadena are in protective custody after their father and his live-in girlfriend were arrested on suspicion of child abuse Thursday night.
There were four children involved, one 9-year-old girl, and three boys, 11, 12, and 15, said Lt. Chris Russ with the Pasadena Police Department. An investigation began Thursday at 7:21 p.m. after a friend of the children told family members, who then called the police, Russ said. An arrest was made shortly after in the 800 block of North Madison Avenue in Pasadena, Russ said.
The children had visible bruising and injuries when police arrived, and the girl was taken to the hospital for possible internal bleeding, Russ said. The 11-year-old boy suffered from burns after his hand was held over the flame of a lighter, Russ said. The children were hit with belts and shoes on a regular basis, Russ said.
The father, Johnny Monterroso, 44, and his girlfriend, Celia Chavez, 23, were arrested on suspicion of child abuse after the children were taken into protective custody.
INVISIBLE MOTHER ALERT: Notice that in addition to there being no word about the mother being investigated, there is not word one word about the mother AT ALL. If this case is typical of the many we see here at Dastardly Dads, the mother was shoved out of the picture and denied visitation. It would be so nice if the media would follow up on these things, but they seldom do.
http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/news/ci_15428405
Pasadena couple arrested on suspicion of child abuse
Posted: 07/02/2010 09:59:07 AM PDT
Four children from Pasadena are in protective custody after their father and his live-in girlfriend were arrested on suspicion of child abuse Thursday night.
There were four children involved, one 9-year-old girl, and three boys, 11, 12, and 15, said Lt. Chris Russ with the Pasadena Police Department. An investigation began Thursday at 7:21 p.m. after a friend of the children told family members, who then called the police, Russ said. An arrest was made shortly after in the 800 block of North Madison Avenue in Pasadena, Russ said.
The children had visible bruising and injuries when police arrived, and the girl was taken to the hospital for possible internal bleeding, Russ said. The 11-year-old boy suffered from burns after his hand was held over the flame of a lighter, Russ said. The children were hit with belts and shoes on a regular basis, Russ said.
The father, Johnny Monterroso, 44, and his girlfriend, Celia Chavez, 23, were arrested on suspicion of child abuse after the children were taken into protective custody.
Abuser dad released on police bail, 2-year-old son stable after head, eye surgery (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)
UNNAMED DAD has been released on police bail, despite the fact that he "allegedly" slammed his 2-year-old son's head into a bedframe, causing a serious brain hemorrhage. The boy is now in stable condition following surgery. No surprise that Daddy was "babysitting" while the mother was working (yet another stay-at-home abuser/loser?). Oh, and maybe alcohol played a role too.
The story that follows, the one about the post-op transvestite "mother" who bashed his/her 7-year-old daughter is just strange.
http://www.mmail.com.my/content/41759-abuser-dad-released-police-bail
Abuser dad released on police bail
Submitted by Najiah on Thursday, July 1st, 2010
Thursday, July 1st, 2010 12:07:00
KUALA LUMPUR: A Sabahan who allegedly abused his two-year-old son at his flat in Sentul on Monday has been released on police bail.
Sources said the suspect, in his 30s, was released after his two-day remand order ended yesterday and police were satisfied with his cooperation.
The toddler is under intensive care at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital (HKL) here but his condition is reportedly stable after undergoing surgery on his head and eyes.
On Monday, the child sustained brain haemorrhage and internal bleeding after he was allegedly slammed onto a bedframe by his father. The toddler, who is the youngest of five siblings, also suffered from cornea bleeding.
He was rushed to the hospital by his mother at 3.30am. The father was believed to be under the influence of alcohol when he allegedly abused the toddler while the boy's mother was away at work.
Police are on the verge of completing their investigation into this case.
They are also wrapping up another abuse case involving a seven-year-old girl who was bashed by her post-op transvestite ‘mother’ last week at a house in Sentul.
She was rescued by Kuala Lumpur Welfare officers following a tip-off. Her body showed old and new scars and wounds, believed to have been inflicted by cigarette burns and a clothes hanger.
The girl is also receiving medical treatment at HKL and would be looked after by the Welfare Department until police complete their investigation.
Police arrested the transvestite to assist investigation and he was released on police bail after his statement was recorded.
Police are also checking on the validity of the suspect's identification card with the National Registration Department as it bore a woman's name.
Over half of all households experience domestic violence (Korea)
According to a 2007 survey, just over half (50.4%) of all Korean households have experienced domestic violence.
http://www.koreaherald.com/national/Detail.jsp?newsMLId=20100701000817
Koreans still struggling to stamp out domestic violence
2010-07-01 17:15
A 35-year-old school teacher recently asked for help from an emergency counseling center, saying her husband, a doctor, had kicked her in the chest even though she was holding their baby.
“It was the first time that my husband has abused me. But I feared that it could be repeated because his father also mistreated family members,” she was quoted as saying by the center.
This is a very typical case of domestic abuse here, experts say.
According to a national survey conducted in 2007, one out of every two households (50.4 percent) suffered domestic violence, which includes physical, mental and financial abuse on spouse, child and elderly members.
“Compared with the U.S. and Europe, the Korean figure is slightly higher. Abusers still don’t regard domestic violence as a crime and many of them are not punished properly,” said Kim Kwon-young, director of women’s welfare support division at the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family.
Under the current law, those who injure family members are to face up to 10 years in jail. Because the victims hesitate to punish their family members, however, less than 10 percent of abusers are punished here, Kim said.
Experts emphasize the importance of early response.
In the 2007 survey, those who experienced domestic abuse in their childhood were two-times more likely to abuse their spouses.
Like the case above, experts recommend that the first sign of abuse be dealt with promptly and efforts be made for prevention.
The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Affairs has decided to take a comprehensive measure for prevention of domestic violence by forming a task force in cooperation with other government offices such as the Justice Ministry.
Even though separate efforts have been made, it is the first time such a pan-government taskforce has been established here, the ministry said.
In order to prevent repeat abuse, the authority of police officers would be strengthened for first time cases. If related regulations are toughened, police officers can isolate abusers or order them not to approach the victims. If the victims agree, the abusers also can be ordered to leave the family or to give up parental rights.
The special team, consisting of government officials, academics and activists, will work as an advisory panel until November when the comprehensive plan is completed.
By Lee Ji-yoon (jylee@heraldm.com)
http://www.koreaherald.com/national/Detail.jsp?newsMLId=20100701000817
Koreans still struggling to stamp out domestic violence
2010-07-01 17:15
A 35-year-old school teacher recently asked for help from an emergency counseling center, saying her husband, a doctor, had kicked her in the chest even though she was holding their baby.
“It was the first time that my husband has abused me. But I feared that it could be repeated because his father also mistreated family members,” she was quoted as saying by the center.
This is a very typical case of domestic abuse here, experts say.
According to a national survey conducted in 2007, one out of every two households (50.4 percent) suffered domestic violence, which includes physical, mental and financial abuse on spouse, child and elderly members.
“Compared with the U.S. and Europe, the Korean figure is slightly higher. Abusers still don’t regard domestic violence as a crime and many of them are not punished properly,” said Kim Kwon-young, director of women’s welfare support division at the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family.
Under the current law, those who injure family members are to face up to 10 years in jail. Because the victims hesitate to punish their family members, however, less than 10 percent of abusers are punished here, Kim said.
Experts emphasize the importance of early response.
In the 2007 survey, those who experienced domestic abuse in their childhood were two-times more likely to abuse their spouses.
Like the case above, experts recommend that the first sign of abuse be dealt with promptly and efforts be made for prevention.
The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Affairs has decided to take a comprehensive measure for prevention of domestic violence by forming a task force in cooperation with other government offices such as the Justice Ministry.
Even though separate efforts have been made, it is the first time such a pan-government taskforce has been established here, the ministry said.
In order to prevent repeat abuse, the authority of police officers would be strengthened for first time cases. If related regulations are toughened, police officers can isolate abusers or order them not to approach the victims. If the victims agree, the abusers also can be ordered to leave the family or to give up parental rights.
The special team, consisting of government officials, academics and activists, will work as an advisory panel until November when the comprehensive plan is completed.
By Lee Ji-yoon (jylee@heraldm.com)
Dad convicted of physical abuse, neglect of 4 children (Ireland)
UNNAMED DAD has been convicted of physical abuse and neglect of his 4 children, and assaulting his sons. The jury failed to reach a verdict on the sexual abuse charges involving his daughter.
INVISIBLE MOTHER ALERT: No mention here of the children's mother.
http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/date-set-for-sentencing-in-child-neglect-case-463781.html
Friday, July 2, 2010
Date set for sentencing in child neglect case
Thursday, July 01, 2010 - 01:55 PM
A sentence date has been set for a father convicted earlier this year of neglect and physical abuse of his children.
The 42-year-old man, who can not be named to protect the identity of the children, was convicted by a Central Criminal Court jury last April, following a 13-day trial, of neglecting four of his children and three counts of assaulting each of his sons on dates between January and September 2007.
The jury failed to agreed a verdict on the final counts of rape and sexual assault of the man’s daughter and a charge of neglecting a fifth child. The Director of Public Prosecutions has not yet indicated whether there will be a retrial on these counts.
Ms Justice Elizabeth Dunne set a sentence date of July 27 next when full facts will be heard.
Read more: http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/date-set-for-sentencing-in-child-neglect-case-463781.html#ixzz0sY4tLaYV
INVISIBLE MOTHER ALERT: No mention here of the children's mother.
http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/date-set-for-sentencing-in-child-neglect-case-463781.html
Friday, July 2, 2010
Date set for sentencing in child neglect case
Thursday, July 01, 2010 - 01:55 PM
A sentence date has been set for a father convicted earlier this year of neglect and physical abuse of his children.
The 42-year-old man, who can not be named to protect the identity of the children, was convicted by a Central Criminal Court jury last April, following a 13-day trial, of neglecting four of his children and three counts of assaulting each of his sons on dates between January and September 2007.
The jury failed to agreed a verdict on the final counts of rape and sexual assault of the man’s daughter and a charge of neglecting a fifth child. The Director of Public Prosecutions has not yet indicated whether there will be a retrial on these counts.
Ms Justice Elizabeth Dunne set a sentence date of July 27 next when full facts will be heard.
Read more: http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/date-set-for-sentencing-in-child-neglect-case-463781.html#ixzz0sY4tLaYV
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)