Mother, step-father arrested for child abuse

The authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances under which a child on one of the Sister Islands was badly beaten, allegedly by the mother and step-father.

BVI News Online has confirmed that the mother, whose name is being withheld to protect the identity of the minor, has been charged with cruelty to a child.

The step-father was also arrested and charged.

Reports are that it was a teacher who recognized that the child was physically abused, and reported the matter to the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force.

The alleged abuse was also brought to the attention of the Social Development Department, which has launched a probe into the case.

Details of the circumstances under which the child was abused are not yet clear. But the victim has received medical treatment.