Born with a Foot Deformity: South Nias Child’s Condition Not Due to Abuse

DiYES International School – Born with a foot deformity, a 10-year-old child from South Nias, Indonesia, became the center of attention after a video surfaced, which suggested that the child’s condition was a result of family abuse. Initially, the video raised concerns that mistreatment within the family had caused the child’s foot deformity. However, after the authorities conducted an in-depth investigation and a thorough medical examination, they revealed that the child’s deformity was congenital and not a result of abuse. The authorities clarified that the deformity was a natural condition present since birth, not caused by any violence.

The video, which went viral on social media, highlighted the child’s leg deformity and led to widespread speculation about the possibility of physical abuse. The incident brought attention to the child’s physical condition, raising questions about the cause of the deformity. While there was significant public concern, law enforcement and medical professionals quickly stepped in to investigate and set the record straight.

The Investigation and Medical Findings

The South Nias Police Chief, AKBP Ferry Mulyana, explained that after the authorities conducted an X-ray, they found no signs of bone fractures or trauma from violence. The X-ray results revealed that the child’s condition was the result of a congenital defect, with no external harm inflicted. Mulyana stated, “Based on the X-ray results, no broken bones from violence were found. The radiology examination indicates that the child’s physical condition is a congenital abnormality from birth, not caused by abuse.”

The deformity, which included a curved spine and deformed legs, had been present since birth. It was clear that the child’s condition was not the result of family violence but rather a congenital abnormality. Despite this, it was discovered that the child had experienced some physical abuse from a family member.

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Abuse by Aunt Confirmed

Ferry Mulyana also revealed that the aunt, identified as D, had subjected the child to physical abuse. This abuse, however, was unrelated to the child’s foot deformity and stemmed from a separate incident. Mulyana explained that the authorities found a 3 cm bruise on the child’s left thigh, which led them to identify the aunt as a suspect. “The decision to make D a suspect was based on witness testimonies that showed acts of violence against the child,” Mulyana clarified.

The police chief further explained that the bruises likely resulted from pinches, which both the child and the aunt admitted. The police reported that the motive behind the physical abuse was the child borrowing the aunt’s phone without permission. “The motive was because the child borrowed her phone,” Mulyana added.

Further Medical Examinations

Nelly Fitriani, the Head of Public Health Services in North Sumatra, confirmed the results of the X-ray and supported the findings that the child’s deformities were congenital. Fitriani explained that the child had a curved spine and O-shaped legs, both signs of a congenital condition. “The X-ray results show a curved spine, which is a congenital abnormality. The feet show no fractures, indicating that the foot deformity is a result of being born with a foot deformity or a genetic disorder,” Fitriani stated.

Fitriani also noted that the child had experienced stunting, a condition affecting the child’s growth, but overall, the child’s health was stable. The doctors determined that no referral to a specialized hospital was necessary, and despite the challenges, they considered the child’s condition generally healthy.

However, the examination also revealed some bruising, which doctors linked to physical blows. “The medical exam at the community health center showed signs of bruising, which doctors suspect to be from physical blows,” Fitriani said.

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Current Handling of the Case

The South Nias Police Department is currently handling the case of abuse, while the Department of Women’s Empowerment, Child Protection, and Family Planning (P3AKB) is providing the necessary counseling and support for the child. “The South Nias Police are handling the case of violence, and the Department of Women’s Empowerment, Child Protection, and Family Planning will provide the necessary assistance for the child,” Fitriani concluded.

Born with a Foot Deformity, this case highlights the importance of accurate medical and legal investigations in clarifying the true causes behind physical conditions and abuse. While the child’s foot deformity was congenital, it is equally crucial to address the separate incident of family violence and ensure that the child receives proper care and protection moving forward.