In a disturbing case out of Australia, a 34-year-old woman has been charged with serious crimes after allegedly administering unauthorized medication to a 1-year-old girl and using her distress to solicit donations and grow her social media following. The charges, which include torture, fraud, and child exploitation, have shocked the public and raised questions about the lengths some individuals will go to for financial gain.
According to authorities, the woman filmed the child in “immense distress and pain” while she was under the influence of the medication and posted the videos online. These distressing videos were used to garner over 60,000 Australian dollars (approximately $37,000) in fraudulent donations. Police have charged the woman with 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. The individual charges carry sentences ranging from five to 20 years in prison.
The child’s safety has been a primary concern throughout the investigation. Detective Inspector Paul Dalton confirmed that the child is now “safe” and doing “well” following the intervention. The woman’s actions were uncovered after medical staff at a Brisbane hospital, where the child had been treated for a serious medical condition, alerted police. According to Dalton, the hospital staff “must be extremely distressed and anxious about what happened here,” emphasizing that they had done nothing wrong. The woman had disregarded medical advice and continued administering unauthorized medications to the child, even obtaining old medicines from her home for a different person.
“According to medical experts, the child could have died if no one had intervened,” Dalton said. The woman, who was known to the child, allegedly filmed and posted videos of the child suffering, to “entice monetary donations and online followers.”
This shocking incident highlights the potential for exploitation in today’s online world, where people may use social media platforms for manipulation and self-gain. Authorities have worked diligently to ensure that justice is served, and GoFundMe, the platform through which the woman raised funds, has issued “proactive refunds” to all donors.
Despite the severity of the crime, Detective Inspector Dalton stressed that this case should not cause people to lose faith in helping others. “I think the worst thing that could happen would be if as a society, we lose our generous Aussie nature where we dig in and help our mates out, because of one bad incident,” he said.
As Catholics, we are called to show love and compassion for others, especially those who are vulnerable. This tragic story serves as a reminder of the importance of being vigilant and discerning in our acts of charity. It also emphasizes the need for prayer and care for those who suffer, especially children, who are most dependent on the love and protection of adults.
Let us continue to pray for the young child involved in this case and for all those who seek to exploit others for personal gain. May we always remember Christ’s call to serve one another in love and humility, and may our charitable acts reflect His compassion.