On September 27 2007 bloggers across the world are taking a Blog Catalog community challenge and blogging against abuse. There are many statistic I could give you on child abuse, but I thought it would be better for you to hear the story of a little girl whose short life was filled with abuse and neglect. This is the story of Jacqueline Dawn Brewer.
Jacqueline was born in July 1994 and died on December 17, 1996. She lived a life of neglect and loneliness. She died the same way. She lived with her parents and brother and sister in squalor. Although during her whole life her family was under the supervision on social workers, her death wasn't prevented. At least five referrals to social workers about the welfare of her and her brother and sister were reported over the six months before her death. Little Jacqueline spent most of her days ignored by her parents and confined to her crib. At her parents trial numerous witnesses gave testimony stating that they rarely ever saw Jacqueline out of her room. Jacqueline's parents did not even notice that she was dead in her crib until several hours after she had died and their pet chinchilla was gnawing at her hand. Experts discovered that she had died of extreme dehydration occurring over a period of 2 - 6 days. Jacqueline's parents were both convicted of manslaughter. At their sentencing the judge stated
"their crime was one of neglect and failing to do what they should have, not a crime of violent action...they ignored her to death"
The Canadian Family Services Act of 1980 states child abuse includes sexual abuse, physical abuse, physical neglect, and emotional maltreatment. If you suspect anyone of child abuse please contact your local authorities and help to save a child.
Jacqueline was born in July 1994 and died on December 17, 1996. She lived a life of neglect and loneliness. She died the same way. She lived with her parents and brother and sister in squalor. Although during her whole life her family was under the supervision on social workers, her death wasn't prevented. At least five referrals to social workers about the welfare of her and her brother and sister were reported over the six months before her death. Little Jacqueline spent most of her days ignored by her parents and confined to her crib. At her parents trial numerous witnesses gave testimony stating that they rarely ever saw Jacqueline out of her room. Jacqueline's parents did not even notice that she was dead in her crib until several hours after she had died and their pet chinchilla was gnawing at her hand. Experts discovered that she had died of extreme dehydration occurring over a period of 2 - 6 days. Jacqueline's parents were both convicted of manslaughter. At their sentencing the judge stated 
6 comments:
I'm sorry to hear about the sad death of Jacqueline. It's heartbreaking to hear this kind of neglect.
That was just sickening.
It is so hard to believe that a parent let alone anyone could harm and innocent child. very sad!
speechless
That is terrible! I think that should have been considered murder.
And to think these people are out free in the world! He served 23 months and she served 9 months!
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