A Florida woman is facing charges after being accused of physically abusing a girl for not correctly completing her homework. Margaret Gissome, 35, from Belle Glade, was arrested on allegations of striking the minor multiple times over homework answers.
On September 11, the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office responded to a call from the Department of Children and Families concerning the incident. According to CBS12, the arrest affidavit states that Gissome lost temper when the child gave incorrect answers, leading to physical assaults which resulted in a busted blood vessel in the left eye and a bruise on her lower lip.
As reported by WPBF, Gissome was released from Palm Beach County Jail on a $2,500 bond and has been ordered not to have contact with the victim or any minors unless the parents are aware of the charges against her. A previous domestic violence case from March 2023 involving Gissome was also mentioned, but that case has since been closed.
The alleged verbal and physical abuse emerged when Gissome reportedly told the child, "not to worry about your lip because your nose will be next," after punching her in the face. The child additionally reported that the abuse involved her siblings as well. In her statement obtained by WFLA, the child described being shaken and struck repeatedly by Gissome for the mistakes. The relationship between Gissome and the child was not immediately clarified in the reports.
Teachers and school officials became involved upon noticing the child's injuries, which later led to Gissome's arrest. The case has brought forth serious concerns about child abuse and the mechanisms in place to protect children from harm in their own homes. Gissome, who works in occupational care, was referred to as "Miss" by the girl involved in the incident.
