A 9 year old girl had arrived at the Kaduwela police station yesterday (14) to lodge an entry against her stepmother who had been abusing her for a long time.
The child had informed the police station OIC that the stepmother had beaten her repeatedly and that she was scared for her life.
“She is my father’s second wife. She beats me daily. I have to wake up at 4am everyday to wash utensils, help her (stepmother) cook, clean onions and sweep the garden. After that only can I go to school,” the child said.
When further questioned by the OIC of her life within the home she lived in, the child said that she sleeps on the floor while the stepmother and father slept on the bed.
“Sometimes, she would grind pepper and chillies and feed me. It is very spicy, but I drink it because if I don’t, she will beat me up even more. I have tried telling my father, but he shouts at me also,” the child mentioned
The child was not allowed to use a bathroom within the house, and was forced to use an ‘outdoor toilet’, while the parents used the indoor bathroom.
“I feel safe with my Matara achchi. Over there, I am safe,” the child said.
Upon arrival at the police station, the child’s injuries were checked, where she had received blows to her stomach area and head by the stepmother. The child was also fed by the female police officers at the station.
The stepmother is currently in police custody and is due to be produced at the Kaduwela magistrates court.
Kaduwela police OIC has informed the stepmother that the maximum possible punishment would be taken out against her by the court, due to the intensity of injuries the child had sustained.
