Severely Injured Baby in Vienna: Mother Now Accuses the Father

He not only threatened and hit her, but also the infant. However, she claims not to have directly witnessed the latter, reported police spokesman Markus Dittrich on Friday. The child remained in critical condition. Pre-trial detention was imposed on both suspects in the afternoon.

The 35-year-old German and his partner were arrested around 8:30 PM at the hospital where they had brought their daughter due to a seizure. Comprehensive medical examinations of the infant raised suspicions of abuse. The hospital immediately filed a report.

The doctors identified numerous severe injuries, which required the girl to undergo emergency surgery. According to Dittrich, the multiple injuries could be due to shaken baby syndrome. This form of violence can cause fatal brain injuries or lifelong consequences.

Arrested Parents in Vienna Initially Refused to Testify

The arrested parents initially refused to testify and were taken to a detention center on the orders of the Vienna public prosecutor's office. While the 35-year-old continued to remain silent, the mother has since given a statement. During her testimony, she filed a complaint against the German for continued violence and dangerous threats.

Additionally, the 38-year-old heavily incriminated the father for the injuries to the infant. However, she claims not to have directly witnessed this: "She herself did not commit any violence and was not a direct eyewitness," said Dittrich.

Prosecutor Decides

On Friday afternoon, a decision was made regarding the pre-trial detention request submitted by the prosecutor's office for both defendants, court spokeswoman Christina Salzborn reported to the APA. The father continued to provide no information to the judge, while the mother stuck to her statements made to the police. Consequently, both were remanded in custody until June 13. The reasons for detention for the 35-year-old with a prior record are suspicion of committing an offense, risk of flight, and risk of collusion, while for the 38-year-old, they are risk of collusion and suspicion of committing an offense. Both were represented by lawyers and waived their right to appeal.

So far, the couple had not been known to the police, and there had been no interventions due to domestic violence. They had also not come to the attention of the Child and Youth Welfare Service (MA 11). The MA 11 has temporarily taken custody of the infant.

The spokeswoman for MA 11, Ingrid Pöschmann, confirmed to the APA on Friday that the municipal department formally applied for custody in court on Friday to determine what future can be offered to the girl once she recovers from her injuries. It can now also be ruled out that there are siblings, said Pöschmann. The MA 11 is now the point of contact for the hospital where the baby is being treated until further notice.

The MA 11 spokeswoman also made an appeal to parents who are overwhelmed with caring for their children: "Seeking help is not a shame," said Pöschmann. "Without wanting to excuse the case - this must not happen. Many parents are at the limit of what is possible. It is important to know that you are not alone, that there is help - including from pediatricians or the Vienna Child and Youth Welfare Service." If parents feel overwhelmed, it is important to take countermeasures in time - for example, "place the child on a soft surface, go outside and get some air." Pöschmann also referred to the MA 11 service phone, where help can also be requested at the number 01-4000-8011.

The Vienna police are the point of contact for people who perceive violence or are themselves victims of violence. The police emergency number is available at 133 at any time. The crime prevention unit of the Vienna State Criminal Police Office offers personal consultations via the hotline 0800 216346. Other contacts: Women's Helpline: 0800 222 555 - Vienna Violence Protection Center: 0800 700 217 - Victim Emergency Call: 0800 112 112 - Emergency Call of the Vienna Women's Shelters Association: 05 77 22 - Men's Counseling Center 01/603 28 28

(APA/Red)

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