Father who allegedly assaulted his 8-year-old daughter charged

A father who allegedly assaulted his 8-year-old daughter over the weekend has been charged with one count of assault causing bodily harm.

The man is now in police custody.

His next hearing will be on the 6th of February.

The 8-year-old girl is now under the care of her mother.

The victim and her six siblings had been staying with their father following their parents separation six months ago.

The father allegedly assaulted his 8-year-daughter and as a result she sustained serious injuries.

The matter was reported to the police by a concerned neighbour.

The Ministry for Children and Poverty Alleviation said they will not tolerate any cases of corporal punishment or any form of child abuse or neglect.

People have been urged to report to the Ministry if they are aware of any cases of child neglect or child welfare cases.

Meanwhile, the Ministry is also looking into a case where a 14-year-old intellectually disabled boy in Samabula was allegedly assaulted by a tenant who is believed to have been deported from United States.

The Ministry will provide counseling to the victim who has suffered mental trauma due to the incident.

The matter has been reported to police.