Florida Woman's Alleged Brutal Attack on Girl Over Homework Mistakes
September 16, 2024
FLORIDA: A disturbing incident in Florida has left a young girl battered and bruised, allegedly at the hands of Margaret Gissome, 35. According to a probable cause affidavit, Gissome became enraged when the girl made mistakes on her homework, leading to a vicious attack that has raised concerns about child safety and the consequences of adult aggression towards minors.
The incident occurred on September 10, when Gissome allegedly became upset because the girl was doing her homework incorrectly. The affidavit states that Gissome "became upset due to [victim] giving her the wrong answer to her homework." This seemingly minor mistake sparked a violent outburst from Gissome, who grabbed the girl by the shirt collar and started shaking her.
The situation quickly escalated, with Gissome allegedly using a closed fist to strike the girl's face repeatedly. The victim suffered a "busted blood vessel in her left eye" and a "bruise on her lower left lip," according to the report. The affidavit also notes that the girl told investigators that Gissome hits her "a lot," suggesting a pattern of abuse.
But the attack didn't stop there. After punching the girl in the mouth, Gissome allegedly threatened further violence, telling the victim "not to worry about your lip because your nose will be next." Shortly after, Gissome punched the girl in the chest, leaving her battered and bruised.
Gissome is now facing felony child abuse charges, according to the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office. The affidavit did not reveal the relationship between Gissome and the child, but the severity of the charges suggests a gross breach of trust and responsibility.
Experts say that child abuse often occurs in private, making it difficult to detect and prevent. However, they also stress that vigilance and awareness are key to protecting vulnerable children.
Gissome was booked into jail on Wednesday and released on Friday after posting $2,500 bond. Her release has sparked concerns that she may pose a continued threat to the girl and potentially other children.
As the investigation continues, advocates for child safety are calling for increased awareness and action to prevent child abuse.
