CONTENT WARNING: This article discusses alleged child abuse.
A 34-year-old Queensland woman, believed to be a social media influencer, has been charged with torturing her one-year-old daughter.
The Morningside Child Protection and Investigation Unit (CPIU) arrested the Sunshine Coast resident on Thursday after an extensive investigation into allegations of child poisoning.
Police allege that between 8 August and 15 October 2024, the woman administered unauthorised prescription and over-the-counter medications to her infant daughter without medical approval.
Detective Inspector Paul Dalton announced the news in a press conference this afternoon. “We believe that the person we have charged has administered these drugs, this poison, to increase that person’s social media profile … and therefore obtaining a financial benefit,” he stated.
It’s alleged she “went to lengths to obtain unauthorised medicines, including old medicines for a different person available in their home.”
It’s alleged the woman “filmed and posted videos of the child” while the infant was “being subject to immense distress and pain”.
According to police, “the content produced exploited the child and was used to entice monetary donations and online followers”.
The woman is also being accused of raising $60,000 through a GoFundMe page.
“We’ve been dealing with GoFundMe, I understand through my investigators that they are making attempts to repay that money to the people through the kindness of their heart who have donated that money,” Dalton said.
“We will be seeking that money back in restitution should she be convicted at a later date.”
Although it was not confirmed when or if people will be getting their money back, a GoFundMe spokesperson told PEDESTRIAN.TV, “GoFundMe has been in close contact with Queensland Police during this investigation. Proactive refunds are being issued to all donors as part of our ongoing commitment to protecting Australian generosity, and in line with the GoFundMe Giving Guarantee.”
The alleged abuse came to light when medical staff at a Brisbane hospital reported concerns to police. Detective Inspector Dalton explained, “We’ll be alleging the person has done what she’s done in defiance of medical opinion.”
He also added that this case affected many people. “I think it’s important to note that the hospital staff must [have] been extremely distressed and anxious about what happened here. And they’ve done nothing wrong at all,” he said.
Authorities took immediate action to protect the child, and subsequent testing for unauthorised medicines returned positive results on January 7. The woman now faces multiple charges, including five counts of administering poison with intent to harm, three counts of preparation to commit crimes with dangerous things, and one count each of torture, making child exploitation material, and fraud.
Although no names have been released about the case due to legal reasons, GoFundMe confirmed that this arrest is related to an investigation that started in November after allegations of a mother abusing her child spread on social media.
When asked about whether or not social media sites have a responsibility in cases similar to this, Dalton said “I can’t comment on that. People post what they like on these formats all the time. I think a little bit of responsibility goes back probably the person that’s actually viewing it. If you don’t like it, just, just get rid of it.”
Detective Inspector Dalton emphasised the gravity of the situation, stating, “There is no excuse for harming a child, especially not a one-year-old infant who is reliant on others for care and survival.”
The child’s current condition has been described as “going well” and the accused is set to appear before Brisbane Magistrates Court tomorrow, January 17.
Lead image: QLD Police
Help is available.
If you’re in distress, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or chat online. If it’s an emergency, please call 000.
Under 25? You can reach Kids Helpline at 1800 55 1800 or chat online.
Reach out to Headspace or Beyond Blue for support, or make an appointment with your GP.
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