10-year-old's tragic experience reveals child abuse problems(2)

CONSPICIOUS ABUSE

Yang Shihai is known to his neighbors in the village of Goupi as a notoriously abusive father.

"He beats the girl every two or three days. We criticize him for being so cruel. He growls back 'none of your business'," said local resident Tao Wenhui.

Yang Zhihua, deputy chief of the Goupi Villagers Committee, said he was almost hit by Yang Shihai when he visited the latter's house to try and persuade him to be less abusive.

Acccording to principal Feng Zhiliang of the Longjiazhai Primary School, Yang's teachers also tried in vain to persuade the abusive father to relent.

Yang's mother, who was present during the May 8 assault, has ran away from home and has yet to be found.

Yang Shiming, elder brother of Yang Shihai, recalled that the couple had been working in cities with their daughter.

Ever since they came back three years ago, the little girl was often beaten by the father, he said.

"He didn't take our advice at all. I never informed the authorities, though. He might hit me," said Yang Shiming.

The whistle-blower for the May 8 attack was the girl's uncle Yang Zhihua.

Last October, when Yang Zhihua saw his brother purposely spill hot water on the girl's head, he reported the incident to local police.

The police took Yang Shihai to the police station, but let him go after he submitted a written statement saying that he recognized his mistake and would not repeat it.

Yang Shihai said he has repented again since being detained.

"My words are not pursuasive at all. I cannot help beating her," he said.

Born in one of China's poorest counties, Yang Shihai said he received little education and did not know how to properly educate a child.

"I've used all my energy to make money and seek a living these years. My way of educating is beating," he said.