Family abuse claim

The Koh Kong province Department of Women’s Affairs and rights group Adhoc launched investigations yesterday into allegations a 13-year-old orphan was beaten and had her fingernails pulled out by her older half-sister.

Long Somameth, deputy director of Koh Kong’s Department of Women’s Affairs, said the girl was brought to her after a taxi driver told police that an unaccompanied child was seeking a ride to Battambang province, where her grandmother lived.

“While torture scars were not found on her body, by listening to her words, I believe the girl was harassed both physically and mentally,” Long Somameth said.

The girl alleged her half-sister beat her with brooms, pots and dishes and pulled out her fingernails,  according to Long Somameth.

She tried to escape several times over six months, during which time she was made to work long hours in her half-sister’s house and business.

“I will continue investigating because of a lack of enough evidence and witnesses to charge the perpetrator,” Long Somameth said.

To contact the reporter on this story: Kim Yuthana at [email protected]