In Beauregard Parish, Clarence L. Taylor, 23 year-old, faces charges in the death of a 22-month-old girl. Her name has not been released. On October 9th, the 22-month-old girl was found unresponsive. Beauregard Parish police and EMS personnel responded to the 911 call at the home. The little girl was taken to a local hospital and transferred to Lake Charles for advanced care. Mr. Taylor is charged with two counts of second-degree sexual battery. News sources say more charges are pending now that the child has died from her injuries. Mr. Taylor is in jail presently.
While women are more likely and more frequently to be the abusers, men abuse more severely and are more likely to be sexual abusers. Children under the age of three years old are the most likely victims of abuse. Parents with unrealistic expectations and poor coping skills are most at risk for engaging in abusive behavior. Physical abuse is the most overt form of abuse. Physical abuse can result in brain injury, fractured bones, soft tissue injuries, bruises, cuts and burns. Injury to the genital region is indicative of sexual abuse. Neglect of a child is an act of omission or failure to meet the child’s needs, such as poor nutrition, severe malnutrition, failure to thrive and lack of medical attention. Poor hygiene or unsanitary conditions may result in skin infection and injury. Moral neglect exists when parents or caregivers allow a child to remain in environments with immoral conditions. The long term affects of child abuse include developmental arrest in developing basic trust and self worth into adulthood.
