Domestic violence advocates are calling for an increase in support services after a 10-year-old girl was allegedly killed by her mother on the Gold Coast.
Sophie Wang was found dead by her father at their Carrara home on Tuesday in what detectives described as “one of the most confronting scenes” they’d ever seen on the job.
Her mother, 46-year-old Yingying Xu, was arrested on a nearby street and has been charged with murder.
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The Carrara community is now trying to comprehend how such a tragedy could have occurred.
In the hours before Sophie’s alleged murder, Yingying posted several disturbing videos to TikTok in which she suggested Satan had taken over her soul.
Yingyang’s mental health history will be the centre of police investigation.
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Whether any measures were in place that could have prevented Sophie’s alleged murder will also be a line of inquiry.
But domestic violence advocates say the warning signs were there.
Non-for-profit Hearts of Purple is calling for an increase in support services in the wake of the tragedy.
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“If you’re watching TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and you notice anyone whose in a dark place saying dark things you need to report it,” member Michelle said.
Parents at Emmanuel College, the school Sophie had enrolled in, were still grieving from the news at school drop-off this morning.
“When we first read the news I was in tears,” one parent said.
Another parent said at first they tried to not tell their children about Sophie’s death.
“My girls were very sad about it yesterday,” she added.
A candlelight vigil will be held for Sophie at Emerald Lakes tomorrow afternoon.
Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732)
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800
Lifeline on 13 11 14.
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