CPS sent someone to the school today, and that person called the police to do interviews and file a report. I was interviewed. I found out later that the girl was given an physical exam, and they found bruises elsewhere on her body. She's been taken to a shelter; I don't know for how long. The police officer said the D.A. will get the information and decide whether to prosecute or not. They may leave the girl with the mother if it's in her best interest. The mother is the prime suspect, and I don't think there is any evidence to suggest someone else, though I don't know what the mother said during her interview.

I feel sorry for the mother; I saw her in the office waiting with her daughter. She smiled at me, too. The daughter, despite the police attention and questioning by various adults, was her usual self today, according to the secretary. A single mom, trying to deal with a hyperactive child who is in need of attention. I think I can understand the stress and the frustration; but going too far with corporal punishment... I don't know how often the abuse happens. If it's a one-time thing maybe they will be lenient. But like I said, I don't know the details or how these things usually end up. The father is out of the picture; who knows how disastrous that marriage/relationship was.

It was interesting to talk to an officer with the SJPD. Too bad I couldn't ask him some questions about his line of work.