Brussels, (Brussels Morning)- A woman who had assaulted, harassed and inhumanely treated her own son for months was sentenced on Friday by the Brussels criminal court to two years in prison. Her boyfriend was sentenced to 18 months in prison. The 13-year-old boy took his own life in 2019, but according to the court, the treatment the boy received did not directly lead to his death.
The biological mother, Gaëlle F. from Vilvoorde, had a relationship with a West Flemish woman in the early 2000s and in June 2005 the couple had a son. After that birth, however, F. fell into postpartum depression and began to abuse her child. For example, the boy was whipped and his hair was regularly shaved as punishment, reported BRUZZ.
Physical abuse and emotional blackmail
Reports from the CLB reported that injuries are regularly found, for which the mother invariably had a subterfuge. Physical abuse and emotional blackmail were also reported. The care coordinator at the school noted several times that F. acted very aggressively against the boy, and other witnesses, including family members and a cleaning lady, also stated that the boy was being mistreated.
In 2013, F. and her partner separated and the partner moved with the boy to Harelbeke. Contact with the biological mother was maintained, but even then humiliation would have taken place. From October 2018, the son stayed with Gaëlle F. and her new partner, Kurt DW, in Vilvoorde, and F. claimed custody of the boy.
During that period, the boy was again mistreated and humiliated, he was completely isolated from the outside world and he was closely monitored up to school. F. and her partner also exchanged a series of derogatory messages about the boy during those weeks.
The teenager took his own life on January 27. His adoptive mother filed a civil suit, according to her it was clear that Alexander had been chased to death by his biological mother and her new partner. However, that statement was not followed by the court. However, the mother and stepfather were jailed for assault and involvement respectively.
