HCMC woman faces charge for abusing girl to death

Nguyen Vo Quynh Trang, 26, is being accused of beating and torturing an eight-year-old girl, her fiance’s daughter, to the point of death, police of Binh Thanh District stated Tuesday. She has been detained for two months to be investigated for abuse.

Trang lived with her fiance and his daughter at an apartment complex in Binh Thanh District. She frequently forced the little girl to do chores and beat her.

On Dec. 22, Trang beat the girl to the point of unconsciousness. The girl was rushed to hospital, but was announced dead before arrival.

Police said multiple bruises on the little girl included wounds that had already healed, suggesting she was beaten before. Investigations into witnesses and others involved in the case, including Trang and her fiance, were soon launched.

At the apartment, police found a broken broom and several objects suggesting the girl was beaten and forced to do chores. Neighbors also said they often heard the little girl cry.

Children receiving punishments from family members is common in Vietnam. According to a UNICEF survey, more than 68 percent of children aged 1-14 in Vietnam have been victims of domestic violence perpetrated by their parents or caretakers.