Missed Chances to Protect Sara Sharif: A Heartbreaking Case of Abuse and Injustice

Sara Sharif’s death has raised serious concerns about how the systems meant to protect children failed her. After her father, Urfan Sharif, and stepmother, Beinash Batool, were found guilty of her murder, many questions arose about missed opportunities to save the 10-year-old. The case has shocked the nation, revealing the extent of the abuse Sara endured and the repeated failures of authorities.

The Court’s Findings

At the Old Bailey, the court heard about the horrific conditions Sara faced. She lived in what was described as a “daily living hell.” Her father, Urfan Sharif, was labeled a “psychopath.” He was 43 years old and displayed controlling and violent behavior. Beinash Batool, his 30-year-old wife, was also found guilty of murder. Additionally, Sara’s uncle, Faisal Malik, was convicted of causing or allowing her death. The trial lasted eight weeks and unveiled distressing details about the abuse Sara suffered.

Despite numerous interactions with social services, police, and schools over 16 years, very little was done to help her. It was not until it was tragically too late that the severity of her suffering became clear.

Tribute from Sara’s Mother

Sara’s mother, Olga Domin, shared a heartfelt tribute to her daughter. She described Sara as a joyful child with “beautiful brown eyes” and an “angelic voice.” Olga called for divine protection for her little girl. The heartbreaking truth surrounding Sara’s death was uncovered after her body was found at their family home in Surrey on August 10, 2023. This was just two days after her father had killed her.

Urfan Sharif initially fled to Pakistan. He later contacted police to confess, claiming he had “beaten her up too much” for being “naughty.” A note found near Sara’s body stated, “I swear to God that my intention was not to kill her. But I lost it.”

The Evidence of Abuse

A post-mortem examination revealed the scale of Sara’s torment. She had 71 external injuries, including bruises, burns, and human bite marks. Furthermore, she suffered at least 25 fractures, with 11 of these to her spine. Initially, Sharif denied the charges but eventually admitted to binding Sara with packing tape and assaulting her with various weapons, including a cricket bat and a metal pole. Batool remained silent during the trial and denied any involvement in the abuse.

System Failures Uncovered

The case has sparked significant concerns about the failures of multiple systems that interacted with the family. Over the years, Urfan Sharif had come to the attention of social services and police for numerous allegations of abuse. He was arrested multiple times for suspected assaults on a child, a baby, and several women, including Sara’s mother. However, each investigation was closed due to a lack of evidence, allowing Sharif to persist with his abusive behavior.

In 2019, despite clear concerns over his violent tendencies, Sara was placed back in her father’s care following a family court ruling. Social services supported this decision, citing Sara’s preference to live with her father. Experts have criticized this judgment, arguing that Sharif’s history of violence should have been taken more seriously. According to Libby Clark, a specialist prosecutor, Sharif was skilled at manipulating the system to his advantage.

Calls for Reform in Child Protection

This heartbreaking incident has incited calls for systemic reform. Charities, such as Women’s Aid, have pointed out the catastrophic failures in protecting vulnerable children like Sara. Sophie Francis-Cansfield, the charity’s head of policy, described Sara’s case as a clear example of the dangers that arise from ignoring warning signs. She urged for urgent reforms in child protection practices and family court decisions.

Following the convictions, Surrey police and local authorities pledged to conduct a thorough safeguarding review. They aim to understand what went wrong and identify missed opportunities to act. A police spokesperson emphasized, “No child should ever have to endure the brutal mistreatment that Sara suffered.”

Commitment from Local Authorities

Rachael Wardell, executive director for children and families at Surrey County Council, expressed that Sara’s death was “incredibly distressing.” She confirmed that her agency was committed to fully participating in the review process. Wardell acknowledged that those responsible for Sara’s abuse had gone to great lengths to hide the truth. The investigation revealed a complex web of failures in safeguarding.

Meanwhile, Rachel de Souza, the Children’s Commissioner for England, has called for schools to be recognized as statutory safeguarding partners. She stressed the need for improved oversight of children educated at home, especially those in vulnerable situations like Sara. “We need proper oversight,” de Souza said, “and we must ensure that every child is safeguarded.”