Warning: This release contains details of a criminal investigation involving the physical abuse of a child and information in the below may contain content that is confronting, disturbing and distressing.
Detectives from Logan Child Protection and Investigation Unit (CPIU) have charged a 32-year-old woman with multiple offences, including torture and grievous bodily harm, following a major investigation into alleged child abuse.
Acting on a tip-off regarding a young girl suffering significant injuries, police launched a high-risk missing person investigation, code named Operation Xray Cinder.
It will be alleged the investigation uncovered disturbing evidence of sustained and severe physical abuse inflicted upon the child over an extended period.
The four-year-old girl was located on January 9, following an exhaustive investigation involving collaboration between CPIU investigators and Logan general duties police.
The child was transported to Logan Hospital, where it is alleged that medical staff documented extensive injuries, including bruising, burns, fractures, and disfigurement.
Detective Acting Inspector Kent Ellis commended the dedication of the investigating officers, whose persistence was instrumental in rescuing the child and ensuring her safety.
"The alleged physical abuse this little girl endured is amongst the worst I have seen in my career. Her injuries are horrific and highlight the unimaginable suffering she has experienced.
"The initial response of general duties officers, coupled with the comprehensive investigation by CPIU detectives, saved this child's life.
"This case highlights the importance of community vigilance. If members of the public are aware of or suspect child abuse, they are encouraged to report it to police," Detective Acting Inspector Ellis said.
Investigators will allege that the suspect attempted to conceal the child and her injuries by moving her to various addresses.
The woman was arrested on January 24 and charged with a total of 29 offences including six counts of assault occasioning bodily harm (domestic violence offence), eighteen counts of supplying dangerous drugs and one count each of torture (domestic violence offence), grievous bodily harm (domestic violence offence), fail to supply the necessaries, possess utensils or pipes etc that had been used and possess property suspected of having been used in connection with the commission of a drug offence.
The woman was denied police bail and remains in custody. She is due to appear at Beenleigh Magistrates Court on March 19.
"This investigation underscores the tireless efforts of CPIU investigators, who not only conduct their duties with exceptional professionalism but with extraordinary care for the vulnerable victims they serve," Detective Acting Inspector Ellis said.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, you should report it to police.
Support and counselling is available from the following agencies:
- DVConnect Womensline: 1800 811 811
- DVConnect Mensline: 1800 600 636
- 1800 RESPECT: 1800 737 732
- 13YARN: 13 92 76
More information is also available from the Queensland Government Domestic and Family Violence portal.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
