A young mother from a remote South Australian mining town has been charged after allegedly choking her child and threatening to kill them.
Emergency services were called to her home in Coober Pedy, about 846km northwest of Adelaide, just before midday on Saturday after reports from witnesses that a child had been assaulted.
The child was located a short time later, safe and in the care of relatives, and received medical treatment for minor injuries.
A 22-year-old woman was arrested on Sunday and charged with aggravated assault, choking and threats to endanger life.
She did not apply for bail and appeared in the Coober Pedy Magistrates Court on Monday, where she was remanded in custody.
SA Police said that, due to immediate concerns for the child’s welfare following the alleged incident, they made an urgent notification to the Department for Child Protection (DCP).
Both agencies worked to support the child and ensure their ongoing safety and wellbeing.
‘The quick actions of witnesses who contacted police and provided information were instrumental in ensuring a prompt response and progressing the investigation,’ Coober Pedy police Sergeant David Finlayson said on Tuesday.
A young mother from a remote South Australian mining town has been charged after allegedly choking her child and threatening to kill them (stock image)
Emergency services were called to her home in Coober Pedy, about 846km from Adelaide, just before midday on Saturday after reports from witnesses that a child had been assaulted
‘Protecting vulnerable children requires a coordinated response, and this matter demonstrates the value of the strong working relationship between SAPOL and the Department for Child Protection.
‘From the initial police response through to the ongoing welfare arrangements for the child, both agencies worked together to ensure the child’s wellbeing remained the priority.’
Anyone who witnesses violence, abuse or neglect involving a child is urged to contact police immediately.
Suspected child abuse or neglect in South Australia can be reported to the Child Abuse Report Line (CARL) on 13 14 78, which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
