Taiwan in the Spotlight: Father Charged in Years-Long Abuse of Son

A father in Taichung, Taiwan faces charges after allegedly abusing his son for years, causing severe physical and psychological trauma.

Taichung, Taiwan – A man in Taichung City, Taiwan, is facing legal proceedings after being charged with the long-term abuse of his minor son. The alleged abuse, spanning from elementary school through high school, included physical violence, deprivation of food, and resulted in severe psychological and physical harm to the child.

According to the indictment, the father, identified as Guang Zhi (a pseudonym), began abusing his son, Xiao Xin (a pseudonym, born in 2006), in 2015. The abuse reportedly occurred approximately four times a week and included beatings with various objects such as hangers, metal rods, and belts. Guang Zhi is also accused of choking the boy and forcing him to kneel as a form of punishment. In addition to the physical violence, the child was often deprived of food, relying solely on school lunches for sustenance.

The sustained abuse left Xiao Xin with numerous injuries, including facial lacerations, swelling, back pain, and bruising. In January 2017, the boy's injuries were noticed by school staff, leading to medical attention and temporary placement by social services. However, after being returned home, the abuse continued. In December 2022, Xiao Xin was once again found with severe injuries, including a laceration near his left eye, leading to further medical treatment and social service intervention. Following long-term follow-up and psychological evaluation, Xiao Xin was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and severe depression.

The Taichung District Prosecutors Office, after investigating the case, interviewing Guang Zhi, Xiao Xin, and other family members, along with reviewing records from schools, social services, and hospitals, determined there was sufficient evidence to press charges. Guang Zhi has been charged with "impairing the physical and mental health of a person under 18" under Article 286, paragraph 1 of the Criminal Law.