Brookfield child abuse case, doctor gets probation with jail time – FOX6 News Milwaukee

Report on Child Abuse Case in Brookfield, Wisconsin

Case Overview and Legal Proceedings

In Brookfield, Wisconsin, a significant child abuse case involving two medical professionals has concluded with sentencing. Iyad Azzam, aged 49, pleaded no contest to two counts of felony child abuse in December. Four additional charges were dismissed. The court sentenced Azzam to three years of probation, including an initial 30 days of incarceration followed by 45 days with Huber release privileges.

Wiaam Taha, the second doctor involved, pleaded no contest to misdemeanor disorderly conduct last August. The child abuse charge against her was dismissed, and she received a sentence of time served.

Professional Status

• According to the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services, both Azzam’s and Taha’s medical licenses expired in October 2025.

Details of Abuse and Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Prosecutors reported that Azzam physically abused a child for approximately two hours inside a Brookfield residence. The abuse included striking the child with a belt on the head, back, spine, and hands. Taha was present during the abuse and attempted to conceal the child’s bruises with makeup. Additionally, one child reported being hit by Taha.

Further allegations include Azzam choking a child, threatening to shoot them, and holding a child over a railing. When a child expressed nausea, Azzam reportedly threatened to force the child to drink vomit.

Upon arrival, Brookfield police confirmed signs of physical abuse at the home. The identities of the victims remain confidential to protect their privacy.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The case highlights the critical need for protecting children’s physical and mental health from abuse and neglect.
   • Ensuring the well-being of children aligns with the goal of reducing violence and harmful practices.
2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
   • The legal actions taken demonstrate the enforcement of justice and protection of vulnerable populations.
   • Strengthening institutions to prevent abuse and uphold child rights is essential for sustainable development.
3. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Protecting children from abuse supports their ability to access education in a safe environment.
4. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Addressing abuse contributes to promoting equality and safeguarding the rights of all children regardless of gender.

Conclusion

This case underscores the importance of safeguarding children’s rights and well-being as a fundamental aspect of sustainable development. It also reflects the necessity for robust legal frameworks and professional accountability to uphold the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to health, justice, and protection of vulnerable groups.

Sources

• Brookfield Police Department
• Waukesha County District Attorney’s Office
• Wisconsin Circuit Court
• Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The article discusses child abuse cases, legal proceedings, and law enforcement actions, which relate directly to promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, providing access to justice, and building effective institutions.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The involvement of medical professionals and the abuse of children impact physical and mental health, highlighting the need for ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages.
3. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • While not explicitly mentioned, child abuse often disproportionately affects girls and women, and addressing abuse contributes to achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 16 Targets
   • 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children.
   • 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
2. SDG 3 Targets
   • 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
   • 3.7: Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services, which includes protection from violence and abuse.
3. SDG 5 Targets
   • 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicators for SDG 16.2
   • Number of victims of child abuse reported and prosecuted (implied by the legal charges and court proceedings).
   • Prevalence of physical and psychological violence against children (implied by descriptions of abuse and police confirmation).
2. Indicators for SDG 16.3
   • Proportion of victims accessing justice and legal remedies (implied by sentencing and probation details).
   • Effectiveness of law enforcement in confirming and responding to abuse cases.
3. Indicators for SDG 3.4 and 3.7
   • Incidence of health complications resulting from abuse (implied by the physical injuries described).
   • Access to health services for abuse victims (implied need for medical and psychological care).
4. Indicators for SDG 5.2
   • Reported cases of violence against women and girls (implied by the involvement of female defendant and abuse context).
   • Legal outcomes for perpetrators of gender-based violence.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: fox6now.com