A Horrific Case of Child Abuse Shocks Taiwan
In December 2023, a harrowing case of child abuse in Taiwan sent shockwaves across the nation. A one-year-old boy, nicknamed Kai Kai (剴剴), allegedly died after enduring months of brutal torture at the hands of his foster caregivers. Authorities discovered the child with horrific injuries, including blackened genitals, missing fingernails, broken bones, and severe malnutrition.
The case has sparked nationwide outrage, with hundreds of protesters gathering outside the Taipei District Court on 19 March, 2025, demanding the death penalty for those responsible.
Kai Kai’s Tragic Story: From Foster Care to Fatal Abuse
Kai Kai was placed under foster care in August 2023 after his biological mother and grandmother were deemed unable to care for him, according to Bastille Post. He was entrusted to Liu Tsai-hsuan, a legally accredited home-based foster carer in Taipei, and her younger sister, Liu Juo-lin, who assisted in childcare.
However, just 114 days later, Kai Kai was dead.
According to reports, the boy was rushed to the hospital in late December 2023 due to breathing difficulties. Medical staff discovered he was severely malnourished and covered in injuries, including:
- Fractured skull, pelvis, and calf bones
- Broken teeth and pulled-out fingernails
- Blackened genitals
- Signs of long-term physical restraint
Despite emergency treatment, Kai Kai succumbed to his injuries.
Foster Sisters Deny Torture Allegations, Blame ‘Accidental Falls’
The Liu sisters were arrested on suspicion of abuse and murder. Initially, they confessed to tying up Kai Kai and striking the soles of his feet. However, during a later court hearing, they retracted their confessions, claiming his injuries were from accidental falls.
They denied accusations of pulling out his teeth and fingernails, beating him with objects, force-feeding him rotten food in cockroach-infested cups, and Providing only one meal per day.
Prosecutors allege the sisters colluded to cover up the abuse, even lying to social workers and medical staff about Kai Kai’s condition.
Public Outrage: 300 Protesters Demand Death Penalty
On 19 March, over 300 protesters gathered outside the Taipei District Court, holding white flowers and signs reading “Zero Tolerance for Child Abuse.” Many called for the death penalty for the Liu sisters, while others demanded stricter child protection laws.
Kai Kai’s relative revealed that the Liu sisters never allowed him to sleep lying down, constantly tied him up, and only gave him “garbage water” in paper cups. Shockingly, the sisters reportedly had a history of abuse, but they allegedly returned previous victims to their parents before the abuse turned fatal.
Social Workers Under Fire for Alleged Negligence
Kai Kai’s family accused social workers of falsifying records and failing to intervene. One social worker, surnamed Chen, allegedly fabricated home-visit reports and prevented the family from seeing Kai Kai under the guise of “privacy concerns.”
The Taiwan Child Welfare League Foundation, which placed Kai Kai with the Liu sisters, admitted that social workers had noticed missing teeth in November 2023 but wrongly attributed it to “adjustment difficulties.” The foundation has since blacklisted the Liu sisters and pledged to improve training.
130,000 Sign Petition for Harsher Child Abuse Laws
The case has ignited a nationwide push for stricter penalties for child abusers. A petition demanding life imprisonment or the death penalty for fatal child abuse cases has garnered over 130,000 signatures.
Legislator Hung Meng-kai has backed calls for capital punishment in severe child abuse cases. Meanwhile, another proposal suggests life without parole or death penalty for those who abuse children to death, and minimum 10-year sentences for serious harm to minors
The proposal has passed initial review and is now in the endorsement phase.
Court Hearing and Upcoming Trial
During the March 19 hearing, the Liu sisters requested that witnesses be shielded from public view, claiming pressure from the crowd. Prosecutors revealed that foreign employees of the sisters could testify but expressed concerns about witness tampering.
The court will begin the trial on 22 April, with sentencing expected by 13 May. As officers escorted the sisters out in a prison van, furious protesters threw food at the vehicle.
A Ministry of Justice official stated that authorities have already increased child abuse penalties but may consider further legal revisions based on public feedback.
A Broken System: Calls for Foster Care Reform
Kai Kai’s death has exposed deep flaws in Taiwan’s foster care system. According to 2018 government data, 31.87% of children under six suffered abuse. While doctors are mandated to report abuse, social workers often lack sufficient oversight.
Legislator Sean Liao Wei-hsiang has proposed amending criminal law to impose life imprisonment or death for killing children under 12. Currently, the maximum penalty for killing a minor under 18 is life imprisonment.
A Nation Mourns – Will Justice Be Served?
Kai Kai’s tragic death has united Taiwan in grief and anger. As the legal process unfolds, the public continues to demand maximum punishment for the Liu sisters, stronger child protection laws and accountability for negligent social workers.
The case serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for systemic reform—so no child suffers like Kai Kai again.
Find the petition here.
Watch the video here:
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