Morro da Fumaça man arrested for whipping 5-year-old son

A man has been placed under preventive arrest in Morro da Fumaça, Santa Catarina, accused of beating his 5-year-old son with a horse whip. The incident occurred during school holidays after the child climbed a neighbor's wall.

The victim's mother discovered bruises on the child's body and contacted the father, who confessed to the punishment. Police investigations revealed a systematic history of domestic violence and mistreatment against the child dating back to infancy.

The suspect faces charges of ‘tortura-castigo’ (punishment torture) under Brazilian law, which applies when a person under authority subjects another to intense physical or mental suffering as punishment. The court ordered the arrest to ensure public order and the protection of the victim.