subject: Fathers Abuse Their Star Kids by:Wendy Stenberg-Tendys [print this page] All children have the right to live in safety and security, as stated by the United Nations Convention on the Right of the Child, yet millions around the globe suffer the long term effects of child abuse, with only a few organizations actually dealing with the problem.
Child beating parents are bad news at any time, but there are incidents where even children who have become stars, are beaten, in what would seem to be a continuing cycle of abuse.
Mohammed Ismail hit and kicked his ten-year-old son Azharuddin watched by astounded neighbours and passers-by. Slumdog Millionaire star pleaded with his father to stop, as he tried to hide in a corner.
This incident happened just after Azharuddin had flown back from Los Angeles where the film had been awarded eight Oscars. Asharuddin had been given the day away from school to rest, after his long flight, but his father had made up his mind to show Azharuddin off to the neighbourhood. The ugly scene was in utter contrast to Azharuddin's triumphant return to the slums, when his father had lifted him up and shown him off like some valued prize.
Ismail, who suffers from tuberculosis, apologized for the attack several hours later.
The tennis champion Jelena Dokic, who has won five WTA Tour titles and reached a career-high ranking of fourth in 2002, spoke out recently in an interview, about how she was regularly beaten by her father during tennis tournaments.
In 2002 Jelena fled from her family, so as to escape the brutality. However, mental turmoil and severe depression filled the years following the break. She is now on a comeback, having struggled with her form and injuries and is currently ranked 74th in the world.
When questioned about the incidents, Damir Dokic said, "A child, if they show that they are talented in something, should never be left alone. They should always be forced, I think even pushed into it. There are no limits". Damir Dokic claimed the 2001 Open draw was rigged and threatened to pull Jelena out of the Australian Olympic Team. He was thrown out from the US Open in 2000 for abusing staff about the cost of a salmon lunch. Dokic also hugged the headlines when he destroyed the mobile phone belonging to a journalist, during Wimbledon. In 1999 he was banished from a tournament after calling match officials 'Nazis'. He was later arrested after going into the street outside the arena, blocking traffic and jumping on the hood of a parked vehicle.
Damir Dokic, is well known for his erratic behavior and was recently arrested and detained in Serbia for reportedly threatening to fire a rocket at the Australian ambassador's car in Belgrade, as a reprisal for Jelena returning to Australia. Dokic says he is looking to kidnap his estranged daughter.
When a search was made of Dokic's home in Fruska Gora it turned up two illegal bombs, a Beretta handgun, plus seven licensed hunting rifles.
Dokic was incensed over the interview his daughter gave, saying he had beaten her. Dokic wants to sell his farm, where he runs a brandy-making business and create a tennis centre, where he will coach would-be tennis stars. Dokic was once a boxer. He was given the nickname of 'Mad Dad'.
About the author
Dr Wendy Stenberg-Tendys and her husband are CEO's of YouMe Support Foundation (http://youmesupport.org) providing high school education grants for children who are without hope. A chance to fulfill their dreams at whatever level they chose to. A chance for kids to make decisions for themselves. You can help with this really deserving project. Take a few minutes to check it out at Win A Resort (http://winaresort.com)
