The 17-year-old’s parents would even wipe her bottom, a court in Australia heard
Warning: This article contains discussions of child abuse which may be distressing for some readers.
A ballerina whose parents were convicted of child abuse has implored the judge to dismiss the charges.
An Australian couple, both 47 years old, will serve prison time for years of neglect that resulted in their 17-year-old daughter weighing only 60 pounds, comparable to a nine-year-old child.
The girl’s ballet teachers grew concerned about her appearance (WA District Court)
The couple, whose identities are withheld to protect their daughter’s privacy, was found guilty of failing to provide the necessary emotional, social, and developmental support she required, as reported by ABC.net.
Their neglect became evident when she was hospitalized due to severe malnutrition; doctors warned she was at risk of cardiac arrest and possible death, noting her flaking skin and brittle hair.
Witnesses at the hospital testified that her parents assisted her in using the toilet, and it came to light in court that they even wiped her bottom and continued to blow her nose.
Concerns first emerged when the girl’s ballet instructors noticed how emaciated she had become, as ballet was her primary form of social interaction due to her being homeschooled.
