Gabbard lauds plan for ‘Talia’s Law’ vote

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard praised a plan by the House of Representatives to allow a vote today on a bill to help prevent child abuse on military bases.

The measure, HR 3894, is also known as “Talia’s Law,” in memory of Talia Williams, a 5-year-old girl who was tortured and beaten to death in 2005 by father Naeem Williams and stepmother Delilah Williams. Naeem Williams was stationed at Schofield Barracks at the time.

An investigation into Talia Williams’ case revealed that she was physically abused for more than seven months before her death. Various community members who noticed signs of abuse failed to report the case to the proper authorities.

Despite a policy that the military contact Child Welfare Services about suspected injuries involving children, people instead reported their concerns about Talia Williams only to military supervisors.

“Talia’s Law” aims to close reporting gaps in the military’s chain of command for victims of child abuse and neglect, according to a news release from Gabbard’s office. The law would require immediate, direct and mandatory reporting to state Child Protective Services in cases of suspected abuse and neglect, the release said.

“While this legislation cannot right the wrongs that failed to prevent Talia’s death, it will help to better protect thousands of children in military families, who like Talia, may otherwise fall through the gap in the military’s insufficient reporting requirements,” said Gabbard, D-Hawaii, who introduced the bill in November.