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An 8-year-old schoolgirl in Pavlodar has reportedly asked to be placed in an orphanage, citing fear of abuse at home. The distressing situation is now under investigation by child welfare specialists.

According to the child, her father, who is her sole guardian, frequently returns home intoxicated and resorts to physical violence against her. Neighbors recounted an incident on March 7th where the father allegedly expelled the young girl from their apartment in minimal clothing, throwing her belongings out the door.

Initially, the girl sought refuge with her grandmother in another part of the city but was reportedly not allowed back into her father's home upon her return. Concerned neighbors took her in, provided her with food, and decided to collectively purchase new clothes for her due to her poor state.

Pattern of Neglect and Abuse

Neighbors stated they had previously noticed bruises on the girl's face, though she would claim to have injured herself accidentally. They described the father's behavior as verbally abusive and noted that various individuals frequented their home, creating an unstable environment for the child.

One neighbor shared, "I saw a bruise on her face once and asked what happened. She said she fell off a slide. At school, they also mock her, perhaps because her care is poor and her clothes are worn out. She mentioned telling her class teacher about the problems at home."

Intervention and Child's Condition

On March 8th, when the father again refused to let the child into the apartment for a second consecutive day, residents contacted Saule Shakenova, the regional ombudsperson for children's rights. Police were subsequently called to the scene.

Shakenova reported that the girl stated her father beats her severely, drinks, and kicks her out of the apartment. She expressed a desire to go to an orphanage, where her older brother is already being cared for. The child exhibited bruises on her arms, legs, and body. Weighing only 22 kilograms and appearing younger than her eight years, she was taken from the family and admitted to the hospital for examination.

Previous Legal Actions Against Father

It has emerged that the girl's father has had previous encounters with law enforcement regarding his parental responsibilities. Two years prior, he was fined 26,000 tenge for hitting his young daughter on the head with a phone in the street, which he explained as punishment for "bad behavior."

At that time, he was found guilty of failing to fulfill his parental duties and was issued a restraining order prohibiting him from approaching his daughter for 30 days. The child was supposed to be placed with her 80-year-old grandmother.

Family Under Supervision, Rights Threatened

Following a decision by the commission on juvenile affairs, the father was placed under the supervision of police, educators, and guardianship authorities. He was warned that his parental rights would be restricted if he did not change his behavior within a month.

"The girl was not given to her grandmother at that time and lived with her father even while the protection order was in effect. Two years have passed, he has not changed, and the child's situation has only worsened. According to the commission's decision, the family was supposed to be monitored, but judging by the current situation, this was not effectively implemented. The girl absolutely does not want to return to her father," Shakenova stated.

Official Response and Future Steps

The Pavlodar City Department of Education confirmed they are aware of the situation and have taken necessary actions. The child has been placed in a regional support center for children in need of specialized social services.

The department also announced that a lawsuit is being prepared to restrict the father's parental rights. It is noted that the girl's 12-year-old older brother has been living in the same support center for several years. Their mother's parental rights were previously restricted, and she passed away last year.