READY FOR JAIL IN TRINIDAD: Mom who beat 12-year-old daughter on Facebook will do anything to set her child right ...Girl says sorry for bringing shame to family

By Michelle Loubon

Story Created: Apr 23, 2014 at 11:43 PM ECT

Story Updated: Apr 24, 2014 at 5:49 AM ECT 

In the aftermath of the posting of a video on Facebook showing her beating her 12-year-old daughter, Point Fortin mother Helen Bartlett says she is “prepared to go to jail” to set her child on the right path. 
The mother of four yesterday said her daughter was her “problem child” who might be “acting out” because of neglect on her father’s part.
Bartlett made these statements during a radio interview with journalists Dale Enoch and Tony Lee on i95.5 FM yesterday morning. They shared data which revealed about 72 per cent of the respondents support her action, while 28 per cent did not agree with the mode of discipline. 
Bartlett’s elder daughter and the 12-year-old “problem child” have since posted a counter video in support of their mother. They both said she was a good mother who just wanted what was best for her childr­en.
Bartlett’s action has sparked debate over whether she was engaging in discipline or child abuse. 
Asked if she had any regrets, Bartlett said: “No. I don’t have any regrets on the discipline, but on the views of the wider nation.” 
On the question of support, Bart­lett said: “I am getting support. And I have support from my family and from her. The child is supporting me, too.” 
Asked what could have triggered such a severe beating, she said: “She has been my problem child. You know they say in every family, there is a problem child. I have been talking to her. I have tried nume­rous methods. I have even tried to get counselling.”
Amid the chorus of condemnation, Bartlett said she was yet to hear from the child’s father—a police­man. 
She said: “I am yet to hear where is the father? I am yet to get a phone call from him. The video has gone viral. She is crying out for her father. And I am yet to see him. The video went out on Sunday. And today is Wednesday. I am doing this on my own.”
Asked if there was any communication between the child and her father, Bartlett said: “He is blatantly telling her he does not want to have anything to do with her. She just has this attachment to her dad. I believe she started acting out after the separation. She was very close to him. After the separation, that is when the problem started.” 
Bartlett said “the danger... boys like sharks on foot... was even greater” since the girl started secon­dary school. more