She had 71 injuries and 25 fractures when her body was found in a home in Surrey, UK. The Pakistani father and step mother were arrested in Pakistan where they fled in 2023, and return to the city where they were charged. They have now been sentenced to life in prison.

In the months and years before she died, Sara was beaten with a cricket bat, burned with a domestic iron, tied up with packing tape and skipping rope, and forced to wear a homemade hood. To hide the bruises and scars, the parents made her wear a full cover hijab which would not seem strange to neighbors and authorities since they were though to be muslim, however no female in the family wore the traditional religious attire.

The murder of Sara Sharif starkly illustrates the dangers of allowing vulnerable children to be home-schooled, especially after a report especially after a report of bruising was filed by the school. Sara was seen with bruises on her face at school on two occasions but was withdrawn by her father and stepmother to be home-schooled shortly after. Social workers never visited her at home, despite concerns previously being raised by the school.

Sharif and Batool were able to hide the abuse Sara was subjected to by the simple expedient of announcing she was to be home-schooled.

Her face shows a state of suppressing deep pain with fear

While playing a guitar, maybe at home, she shows signs of pain

Why do parents kill their kids?

The tragic act of parents killing their children is an extremely rare and complex phenomenon, often rooted in severe mental health issues, extreme stress, or cultural factors. Understanding this tragedy requires empathy and a willingness to examine the diverse, underlying causes. Below are some reasons why such incidents occur:

1. Mental Illness

• Postpartum Psychosis: In rare cases, mothers may suffer from severe mental health conditions like postpartum psychosis, which can lead to delusions or a break from reality, sometimes resulting in harm to their children.
• Depression and Suicidality: Parents experiencing severe depression may believe that taking their children’s lives is an act of mercy or a way to protect them.

2. Extreme Stress and Despair

• Economic Hardship: Severe poverty or financial crises can lead some parents to see no way out, leading to tragic decisions.
• Family Conflict: In some cases, disputes, separations, or custody battles can escalate to violence.

3. Cultural or Societal Pressures

• In some societies, deeply ingrained cultural issues like honor killings or pressure over dowries may tragically lead to violence against children.
• Gender Bias: In rare cases, societal preference for sons over daughters can result in harm to female children, although this is generally condemned worldwide.

4. Pathological Control or Abuse

• Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy: A psychological disorder where a caregiver harms their child to gain attention or sympathy.
• Revenge or Control: Sometimes, one parent harms the children to punish the other parent in cases of marital conflict.

5. Historical or Cultural Contexts

• In history, some societies practiced infanticide for reasons like lack of resources or strict social hierarchies. These practices are universally condemned today.

Prevention and Support

Understanding the root causes is vital for preventing such tragedies:

• Mental Health Support: Providing parents with access to counseling and mental health resources can help mitigate risks.
• Economic Assistance: Alleviating poverty and offering financial aid to struggling families can reduce stress-related violence.
• Education and Awareness: Promoting gender equality and condemning harmful cultural practices is critical to changing societal attitudes.

This is a deeply sensitive and heartbreaking issue. Addressing it requires empathy, systemic support, and vigilance from society as a whole.