Young Girl’s Escape Sparks Child Abuse Trial Against Caregivers

A young girl’s escape from an allegedly abusive household has prompted a significant child abuse trial against a Whangārei couple. The couple, who served as registered caregivers for Oranga Tamariki, face a total of 35 charges, including allegations of violence and cruelty toward children under their care, dating back to 2012.

The case came to light when a distressed girl, referred to as Sally, arrived unexpectedly at a friend’s home. She was cold, hungry, and nursing a sore arm, which led to a police investigation into her treatment. The trial is currently taking place at the Whangārei District Court, where four key witnesses are expected to testify about their experiences in the couple’s home.

Sally, who reportedly referred to the accused as “Mum and Dad,” alleges that she was subjected to severe mistreatment. Among the accusations, she claims she was hit with a stick, burnt with a lighter, and physically assaulted in various ways. The allegations intensified following an incident involving a cellphone that Sally found, which ultimately prompted her to run away.

When Sally attempted to report the found phone to security personnel, she was advised to take it to the police. Instead, she returned home, where her parents grew suspicious and an altercation ensued. Sally claims that her mother began hitting her, and when the phone fell out of her clothing, she was thrown into a corner. This incident prompted her to leave home, leading her to catch a bus and hitch-hike to a friend’s house across Whangārei.

In court, Sally’s friend’s mother recounted the night Sally arrived at her home. The woman described inviting Sally in out of the cold and noted the girl’s visible distress. “That’s when the story unfolded that she had run away from home,” she testified. Sally revealed that she had not eaten for two days, partly due to her mother’s remarks about her weight, which made her uncomfortable with food.

Despite Sally requesting her not to, the woman contacted the police to report what Sally had disclosed. “She said they took turns restraining her and punched and hit her in the head and back,” the witness told the court. While she did not observe any visible injuries, she noted that Sally was holding her arm and mentioned it was painful.

The defence attorney, Douglas Blaikie, questioned the credibility of Sally’s account, suggesting that she may have been “putting it on.” The witness firmly countered this, stating, “I could see a very terrified girl in front of me who had run a very long way.”

In a previous hearing, a doctor who examined Sally at Whangārei Hospital reported findings consistent with trauma. Although no bruising was observed, the doctor noted other indicators of past injuries, including a scar below her knee, which Sally stated was caused by a burn inflicted by the caregivers.

Another child, who has not been named, also testified regarding 11 counts of alleged mistreatment, including being restrained and having chilli forced into her mouth. She further claimed to have been confined to a room without food for three days.

The trial is expected to extend over four weeks, one week longer than initially scheduled, as additional children prepare to testify about their observations within the household. In a measure to protect the minors involved, Judge Greg Davis initially closed the courtroom but has since reopened proceedings to the public.

This trial highlights ongoing concerns about child welfare and the responsibilities of caregivers. In New Zealand, support services are available for those experiencing family violence. Resources include the Women’s Refuge and Shine, both offering 24/7 helplines for those in need.

As the trial unfolds, the testimonies of Sally and other children will play a crucial role in determining the outcome for the couple facing these serious allegations.