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Trapped In Childhood: Parents Starve 20-Year-Old To Keep Her ‘Little Girl’ Forever

A shocking case of abuse surfaced as parents starved their 20-year-old daughter, forcing her to live as a child, wear toddler clothes, and remain dependent to keep her "forever young."

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Trapped In Childhood: Parents Starve 20-Year-Old To Keep Her ‘Little Girl’ Forever

In a harrowing case from Perth, Australia, a wealthy couple has been sentenced to six years in prison for subjecting their daughter to years of abuse aimed at stunting her physical and emotional growth. The 20-year-old woman weighed just 27 kilograms at 16, a direct result of a restrictive diet imposed by her parents to maintain her childlike appearance.

Manipulating Identity and Development

The parents went to disturbing lengths, including attempting to alter her birth certificate to reflect a younger age. The girl, homeschooled and isolated, was dressed in preschool clothes and kept from normal social interactions. Her interests mirrored those of much younger children—she watched toddler TV shows, played with soft toys, and needed assistance with basic tasks like using the toilet, brushing her teeth, and even peeling a banana.

Concerns Raised by Ballet Teachers

The abuse came to light after her ballet instructors noticed her frail condition. Medical intervention revealed severe malnutrition, requiring hospitalization and a feeding tube. The court learned that the parents not only neglected her physical health but also stifled her emotional and functional development.

Court’s Strong Reprimand

Judge Linda Black delivered a scathing rebuke, stating, “You put your own opinions ahead of what was best for your daughter. You have created a child who is not able to function as an independent adult at the age of more than 20 years old. She’s never been allowed to grow up.”

Victim’s Heartbreaking Defense

Despite overwhelming evidence, the young woman sobbed during the sentencing and defended her parents, claiming, “I don’t believe they wronged me in any way.” The defense argued that the family’s behavior stemmed from obsessive-compulsive disorder, but this did not sway the court’s judgment.

Impact and Reflection

This case highlights the devastating impact of extreme parental control and neglect. It underscores the importance of vigilance by educators and healthcare