The Advoc8te is changing the headline of the press release below because I want to nail home that we all have a duty (it's the law) to report suspected child abuse and neglect, even when it happens in our community. Child abuse, child sex abuse, and neglect have often been on my mind during the pandemic, as many of the cases that may have been reported by staff when school was open most likely flew under the radar during the school closures.

Reporting requirements and service providers to treat victims are something I plan on highlighting on Congress Heights on the Rise in the weeks and months to come. As a survivor myself, it’s personal and frankly, long overdue.

We must protect those most vulnerable in our community, and often that means our children and our seniors. You don't have to have "proof." If you suspect child abuse or neglect, that is for the authorities to sort out. According to the District's reporting law, if you even suspect child abuse occurs, you have to report it. If you see something that doesn't look or feel right, you have to report it. And most definitely, if a child confides in you that something is going on, you must report it!

Let's stop waiting for children to end up in the hospital or, worse, in the morgue! Keeping children safe is all of our business! It doesn't matter if the perpetrator is your mother, your father, your sister, your brother, your girlfriend, your boyfriend, your neighbor, your colleague, etc.

Do something and do it now!

Sometimes, people fear that reporting child abuse or neglect will destroy a family. The truth is that getting help can protect children from further harm and assist the family in overcoming problems. Your call to the District hotline at (202) 671-SAFE or (202) 671-7233 is confidential. When you call, a trained hotline worker will ask you for:

• The name, address, age, and gender of the child.

• Who is caring for the child and whether other children live in the home.

• The nature and extent of the abuse or neglect, as you know it—and any previous abuse or neglect you know about.

• Any additional information that may be helpful.

Friends, neighbors and other community members can help to protect child by being aware and working together. Learn the warning signs of child abuse and neglect. Get helpful tips on responding when a child victim confides in you. Find out what happens after CFSA receives a report of child abuse or neglect.

LEARN MORE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, November 8, 2021

District of Columbia Couple Pleads Guilty to Child Cruelty Charges

Defendants Also Tried to Obstruct Investigation Into Beating of 5-Year-Old Girl

            WASHINGTON – A District of Columbia man and his fiancé have pleaded guilty to child cruelty charges stemming from an assault of a five-year-old girl in their care, U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Robert J. Contee III, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department, announced today.

            Dawub Balil, also known as Tyvez Jackson, 26, and Diamond Taylor, 24, pleaded guilty on Nov. 3, 2021, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. Balil pleaded guilty to first-degree cruelty to children, a felony, and Taylor pleaded guilty to a felony charge of second-degree cruelty to children. Both also pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of obstruction of justice. Both defendants are to be sentenced Jan. 28, 2022, by the Honorable Marisa Demeo.

            According to the government’s evidence, Balil and Taylor resided in the 2800 block of Pomeroy Road SE, with four children, including the 5-year-old, who is identified in court documents as “D.J.” Balil is the child’s father. He and Taylor, who was not “D.J.”’s biological mother, were the primary caregivers for her and had exclusive care and custody of her weeks prior to “D.J.’s” hospitalization.

            On May 28, 2020, at approximately 1:30 p.m., Taylor called 911 and reported that “D.J.” fell from the top of her bunk bed, which she later admitted was untrue. The D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department arrived on the scene and found “D.J.” in the bathroom, face up in the tub. The shower was running, and the tub was filling up with cold water.

            The girl was taken to Children's National Medical Center. A pediatrician noted that she suffered from a severe head trauma, a lacerated liver, old and new rib fractures, and fractures to her tibia and wrists, among other injuries.  Several of those injuries were loop shaped and were concentrated on her thighs. The doctor believed the marks were consistent with being hit with a belt. The doctor also stated that she believed these injuries were consistent with repeated abuse.

            After “D.J.” was taken to the hospital, Balil subsequently threatened his roommates and took their cell phone so that they would not be able to make a report about the child abuse to the D.C. Child and Family Services Agency or the Metropolitan Police Department.  Taylor admitted that on May 28, 2020, she told her children not to tell the police that Balil beats the children.

            In their guilty pleas, both defendants acknowledged inflicting injuries on “D.J.” on other occasions.

            In announcing the pleas, U.S. Attorney Graves and Chief Contee commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by the Children’s National Medical Center. They acknowledged the efforts of those who handled the case at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialists Stephanie Gilbert, Meridith McGarrity, and Tasha Harris; Investigative Analyst Zachary McMenamin; Supervisor Litigation Technology Specialist Leif Hickling, and Victim/Witness Advocate Marcia Rinker. Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Cynthia Wright, who prosecuted the case.