A Heartbreaking Case Of Child Abuse

Bea Gomez and Lise Bachman-Carnes, two social workers in Northern California, have seen a lot of horrible things done to children -- often by members of the families. Each case breaks their hearts. But they say the case they were handed in December 9, 2002 was the worst they had seen. 

An eleven-year-old girl was wandering the streets of Manteca, California. When she finally knocked on the door of a home, seeking help, the little girl couldn't remember her address or telephone number. The homeowner called the police.

When the police questioned the child, they realized that she wasn't just lost. She was the victim of severe child abuse.

Years Of Abuse Revealed

Lise and Bea were called in to help find out who was responsible for the abuse. They began by gently interviewing the child.  

"The first thing that she recounted," says Lise, "was her hands being burned."  The child described how her hands would be held over an open flame on the stove, and how cigarettes or a curling iron would be used to burn her. Sometimes, she said, she'd be bitten or scratched, and her hair would be pulled out.

Doctors at Childrens' Hospital in Oakland, California found scars on the child's hands, face and back. The injuries were so severe, they say, it's remarkable the child is alive.

The biggest shock of all was yet to come. Police say the person who inflicted such awful injuries on the little girl was her own mother -- Greisy Valencia.

Police and social workers say they discovered that Valencia had abused and tortured her daughter since the child was just four-years old. The head of the investigation, Detective Keith Stiver of the Hayward police department, says Valencia is heartless. "She's a monster. She's a vicious, vindictive person who hurts children."

The Abuse Ends, And A Manhunt Begins

Social workers Bea and Lise placed the little girl in foster care. They say she is doing well, and is slowly recovering from her injuries. Although her physical scars will be there forever, she is starting to live a normal life. 

When Hayward Police went looking for Valencia, they discovered she had hit the road.  Co-workers at a fast food restaurant where she was employed told police that Valencia had been tipped off that she was wanted. So, she borrowed $600 dollars from a friend and split town.  No one has seen her since.