Police acknowledge sentencing of Hawke's Bay man
Police acknowledge the sentencing of 28-year-old David Sciascia in relation to the death of his seven-month-old daughter Hineteaorangi Maraki.
Sciascia was sentenced today in the Hastings District Court to four years and three months in prison on charges of assaults child, assault person with blunt instrument and wounds with intent to injure/reckless disregard.
Detective Sergeant Darren Pritchard said police, particularly the officers who investigated the case, are deeply saddened by Hineteaorangi's death and the extent of her "horrific injuries".
"While nothing will be able to bring Hineteaorangi back, we are hopeful the arrest and prosecution of Sciascia provide some comfort for her loved ones. No child should be the victim of violence, and the horrendous abuse inflicted on children by those who are supposed to protect them is unforgivable," Pritchard said.
He says police take reports of child abuse incredibly seriously and we will continue to target and prosecute people who offend against our most vulnerable community members.
"We acknowledge the deep grief felt by her family and we continue to provide support to them as best we can as they come to terms with the sentencing. Police are committed to preventing harm within whanau and reducing the impacts of family harm."
Preventing and effectively responding to family harm is one of the greatest opportunities to improve the well-being and safety of our communities.
Pritchard acknowledged it can be difficult to reach out for help.
"If you are a victim of family harm or in a relationship that makes you fearful about your own or anyone else's safety, seek help as soon as possible, you have the right to be safe. You can contact Police on 111."
There are also a number of other groups that are able to assist if you or someone you know feels unsafe:
Family violence information line | 0800 456 450
Victim Support - support for men and women victims | 0800 842 846 - 24 hours
Women’s Refuge crisis line | 0800 733 843 - 24 hours
Elder Abuse Helpline | 0800 32 668 65 - 24 hours
Gandhi Nivas - supporting men to be free from violence | 0800 426 344
Hey Bro helpline - supporting men to be free from violence | 0800 HeyBro (439 276)
Hohou te rongo kahukura - outing violence- building rainbow communities free from violence
National network of stopping violence | 03 391 0048
Sensitive Claims ACC| 0800 735 566
Shine National Helpline| 0508 744 633 - 9am to 11pm
You, me, us - promoting healthy queer, trans and takatäpui relationships
Shakti - for migrant and refugee women | 0800 742 584 - 24 hours
