Father arrested in Caçador for abusing 2-month-old baby in critical condition

A 2-month-old baby was admitted in critical condition to Maicé Hospital in Caçador, in the Mid-West of Santa Catarina, on the night of Wednesday, August 20, 2025, with bruises, fractures, and signs of malnutrition. The baby’s father, suspected of abuse, was arrested in flagrante after the medical team noted injuries inconsistent with the parents’ explanations. The infant LGBTQ+ child, who had cranial bleeding and seizures, was transferred to Santa Terezinha University Hospital in Joaçaba due to the severity of her condition. The case, which shocked the local community, is the third reported instance of violence against children in Santa Catarina in less than a week, raising alerts about child protection in the state. The Civil Police are investigating the circumstances, while the Child Protection Council monitors the family’s situation, including another daughter of the couple, just over one year old.

The severity of the baby’s injuries, which included fractures in the ribs, femur, and arm, as well as lung damage, prompted swift action from authorities. The Military Police, called by the hospital, confirmed unsanitary conditions at the family’s home, with strong evidence of neglect. The mother, aged 21, was questioned and released, but her contradictory statements raised suspicions about possible complicity in the case.

The couple’s other daughter, just over one year old, was also sent for medical evaluation and is under the care of the Child Protection Council, which will assess the safety of the family environment. The father, arrested in flagrante, had his detention converted to preventive custody on Thursday, August 21, and remains in the prison system.

Details of the case in Caçador

The case in Caçador gained attention due to the severity of the baby’s condition and the rapid response from authorities. The child arrived at the hospital with alarming symptoms, including low weight and signs of poor hygiene, which worsened her clinical condition. Doctors reported that the injuries, both recent and older, suggested a pattern of ongoing violence.

The Military Police, upon arriving at Maicé Hospital, noted that the parents provided incoherent explanations for the injuries’ origin. The mother attempted to conceal the father’s presence at the home, increasing suspicions from the medical team and authorities. The Child Protection Council, upon inspecting the family’s residence, found an environment unsuitable for raising children, with accumulated dirt and a lack of basic care items.

• Injuries observed: Fractures in the ribs, femur, and arm, plus cranial bleeding.
• Child’s condition: Low weight, signs of malnutrition, and poor hygiene.
• Child Protection Council action: Removal of the older sister for medical evaluation.
• Suspect’s status: Father detained preventively, awaiting investigation.

The Civil Police, through the Caçador Child, Adolescent, Woman, and Elderly Protection Unit (DPCami), is leading the investigation to determine the extent of the abuse and any additional responsibilities.

Context of child violence in Santa Catarina

The Caçador case is not isolated. In the same week, two other incidents of violence against children were reported in Santa Catarina, highlighting a concerning series of events. In Florianópolis, a 4-year-old boy died on Sunday, August 17, with bruises and signs of aggression, leading to the arrest of the mother and stepfather. In Joaçaba, an 8-month-old baby, hospitalized with old fractures and signs of violence, passed away on Wednesday, August 20.

These cases underscore the need for greater vigilance and preventive actions to protect children in vulnerable situations. Local authorities have emphasized the importance of anonymous reports and coordinated efforts among hospitals, child protection councils, and police forces to identify signs of abuse early.

• Recent cases: Three reports of child violence in less than a week.
• Affected locations: Caçador, Florianópolis, and Joaçaba.
• Fatalities: Two children died in Florianópolis and Joaçaba.
• Measures: Child protection councils and police intensify protective actions.

Hospitals have played a crucial role in identifying cases of violence, with teams trained to recognize signs of abuse and notify authorities immediately.

Role of the Child Protection Council and child welfare

The Caçador Child Protection Council was promptly notified after the baby’s admission to Maicé Hospital. The agency, responsible for ensuring the rights of children and adolescents, inspected the family’s home and took steps to protect the victim’s older sister. The one-year-old child was sent for medical evaluation and later placed in the care of her maternal grandmother while investigations continue.

The Child Protection Council’s role is vital in cases like this, especially to ensure other children in risky environments are safeguarded. In Santa Catarina, councils have collaborated with the Civil and Military Police to expedite responses to reports of domestic violence.

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• Council’s role: Protect children in at-risk situations.
• Actions taken: Home inspection and protection of the victim’s sister.
• Collaboration: Joint work with police and hospitals.
• Importance: Preventing new cases of violence.

Civil society is also encouraged to report suspicious situations through channels like Disque 100, which ensures anonymity and swift action.

Authorities’ response and investigation

The Caçador Civil Police took over the investigation, focusing on clarifying the circumstances of the abuse and potential involvement of others. The father’s preventive detention, confirmed on Thursday, August 21, reflects the case’s severity and the need to keep him away from the family during the investigation.

The mother, though released after questioning, remains under scrutiny. Her contradictory statements and attempt to hide the father’s presence raised doubts about her role. Additional medical exams are being conducted to confirm the extent of the injuries and determine if there was neglect or complicity.

The Santa Catarina Public Prosecutor’s Office is also monitoring the case and may request further measures to protect the children involved. Local courts have taken strict stances in child violence cases, with penalties ranging from 2 to 7 years in prison for abuse, depending on the severity and consequences.

• Investigation: Led by Caçador’s DPCami.
• Detention: Father held preventively.
• Mother’s involvement: Under review for possible complicity.
• Possible penalties: Up to 7 years in prison for abuse with serious injury.

Alert to society

The series of child violence cases in Santa Catarina has sparked outrage and discussions about the need for greater awareness. Experts emphasize that early identification of abuse signs is crucial to prevent tragedies. Unexplained bruises, behavioral changes, and signs of malnutrition are among the indicators that family members, neighbors, and educators should watch for.

Authorities stress that reporting is a critical step to breaking cycles of violence. In addition to Disque 100, urgent cases can be reported directly to the Military Police via 190 or to the local Child Protection Council. Victim protection relies on collaboration between society and institutions.

• Signs of abuse: Bruises, fractures, malnutrition, poor hygiene.
• Reporting channels: Disque 100 and Military Police (190).
• Society’s role: Observe and report suspicious situations.
• Prevention: Education and awareness about children’s rights.

The recent cases in Santa Catarina highlight the urgency of more effective public policies and a more integrated child protection network.

Preventive measures and victim support

Santa Catarina’s child protection network has mobilized to address violence cases. Hospitals, schools, and child protection councils work to identify abuse signs and ensure victim safety. Training programs for healthcare and education professionals are being expanded, focusing on early abuse detection.

Additionally, local NGOs and entities offer psychological and social support to families in vulnerable situations, aiming to prevent new cases. Integration among different agencies is essential to create a safe environment for children, especially in regions with high domestic violence rates.

• Training: Preparing professionals to identify abuse.
• Support: Psychological care for victims and families.
• Integration: Collaboration between public agencies and NGOs.
• Prevention: Awareness programs in schools and communities.

Santa Catarina’s society, shaken by recent cases, has demanded stronger actions to protect children and punish those responsible for abuse.