Daughter’s Testimony Reveals Profound Trauma Following ‘Horrific Attack’
A mother’s harrowing testimony before an inquiry details the devastating impact of a traumatic event on her daughter, known only as Child C1, and underscores the urgent need for systemic change to protect vulnerable children. The mother’s statement, delivered today, paints a stark picture of a vibrant young girl whose sense of safety has been irrevocably shattered.
The mother described her daughter as a “beautiful, articulate, fun loving little girl,” a child brimming with energy and a carefree spirit. “We call her ‘our little hippie’ because she was always completely carefree,” she shared with the inquiry. The girl’s boundless creativity manifested in constant motion – cartwheels in the garden, the park, even the aisles of Tesco – and a deep connection to the world around her. She was, according to her mother, “deeply intuitive of others” and possessed “a strong sense of who she is.”
A Shift in Perspective: From Courage to Coping
Before last summer, the family encouraged their daughter to embrace challenges with the mantra, “feel the fear and do it anyway.” They actively fostered a mindset of turning apprehension into excitement, believing that new experiences would ultimately be rewarding. However, that approach has been abandoned in the wake of the incident. “We no longer say that,” the mother stated, her voice heavy with emotion.
The daughter’s fears are now “painfully real,” prompting a shift in the family’s language of support. “Instead, we say ‘we can do hard things’ and ‘teamwork makes the dream work’,” the mother explained, revealing a focus on resilience and collaborative strength. This change reflects a fundamental alteration in the girl’s worldview.
Previously, she approached the world with uninhibited enthusiasm, “ready to explore and without hesitation, because she believed, rightfully, that she would be safe.” That belief, the mother emphasized, is gone. “She does not live that way anymore.”
A Plea for Accountability and Change
The mother’s testimony is not simply a recounting of personal tragedy; it is a direct appeal to those conducting the inquiry. “I am here today to share some of her story and journey,” she declared. “I want to tell you of her bravery and strength and how hard she is fighting, still now to survive.”
She made it clear that she is sharing these “deeply personal moments” because those involved are “responsible for what happens next.” The inquiry, she insisted, must lead to “meaningful, substantial change” to prevent other children from enduring similar trauma. The ultimate goal, she stated, is “to ensure the safety of our children.”
The mother concluded with a powerful demand for accountability. “I want you to be in no doubt of the consequences of this horrific attack and what life now looks like for our daughter,” she said. “I expect the weight of responsibility you hold to be felt in every question you ask and every recommendation you make.”
