Physical therapist charged with sex abuse of child – Mid Hudson News

Report on Child Abuse Investigation and Arrest in Poughkeepsie

Incident Overview

A male suspect from Fishkill has been arrested by the City of Poughkeepsie Police Department following an investigation into allegations of child abuse. The individual, employed as a physical therapist at Hudson Point Physical Therapy located at 57 Cannon Street, faces misdemeanor charges including acting in a manner injurious to a child under 17 and sexual abuse.

Investigation Details

The investigation was led by the City of Poughkeepsie Detective Lieutenant Sean McCarthy and his team, with critical support from the Child Advocacy Center of Dutchess County. The inquiry began after reports surfaced that the physical therapist had inappropriately touched a child.

Legal Proceedings

• The suspect was arraigned in the City of Poughkeepsie Court.
• He was remanded to Dutchess County Jail on a $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 bond.

Ongoing Investigation and Community Call to Action

The investigation remains active. The City of Poughkeepsie Police Department urges anyone with relevant information or who believes they may have been a victim to come forward. Contact can be made via phone at (845) 451-4000.

Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

• Ensuring the safety and well-being of children by addressing abuse within healthcare settings.
• Promoting mental and physical health by protecting vulnerable populations from harm.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

• Strengthening institutions through thorough investigations and legal action against abuse.
• Encouraging community participation in reporting crimes to uphold justice and protect children.

SDG 5: Gender Equality

• Addressing sexual abuse aligns with efforts to eliminate violence against children, particularly girls.
• Promoting safe environments for all children regardless of gender.

Conclusion

This case highlights the critical role of law enforcement and community organizations in safeguarding children’s rights and well-being. It underscores the importance of collaborative efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those focused on health, justice, and equality.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The article discusses child abuse and the legal actions taken, which relates to promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, providing access to justice for all, and building effective, accountable institutions.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The involvement of a physical therapist and the focus on child protection relates to ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages.
3. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Although not explicitly mentioned, child sexual abuse often disproportionately affects girls and women, linking to the goal of eliminating violence against women and girls.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 16 Targets
   • Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children.
   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
2. SDG 3 Targets
   • Target 3.4: Reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases and promote mental health and well-being (implied through protection of child well-being).
   • Target 3.7: Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services (implied in the context of preventing sexual abuse).
3. SDG 5 Targets
   • Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. For SDG 16.2
   • Indicator 16.2.1: Proportion of children aged 1-17 years who experienced any physical punishment and/or psychological aggression by caregivers in the past month (implied through reports of child abuse).
   • Indicator 16.2.3: Proportion of young women and men aged 18-29 years who experienced sexual violence by age 18 (implied through investigation of sexual abuse cases).
2. For SDG 16.3
   • Indicator 16.3.1: Proportion of victims of violence in the previous 12 months who reported their victimization to competent authorities or other officially recognized conflict resolution mechanisms (implied by the police investigation and calls for information).
3. For SDG 5.2
   • Indicator 5.2.1: Proportion of ever-partnered women and girls aged 15 years and older subjected to physical, sexual or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months (implied in the context of sexual abuse).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: midhudsonnews.com