Speech/language delays often are tied to behavior issues. This is called "communication disorder" and often includes problem behaviors -- the child cannot express wants and needs and so acts out. (Not going in search of a link, but the research is out there.)
I'm not saying that Sherin, or any child, deserves punishment, not at all, rather that language delay can become a big problem for families. If this child had other delays, possibly many adults had difficulty grasping that Sherin and her sister actually need different guidance & parenting?
3 AM can be a hard time to apply your developmentally appropriate parenting skills, KWIM?
I taught preschool for many years. Parents can get rather upset when they see their child in your classroom doing things the child "won't do" at home...
Re: Mom. IIRC someone stated that Mom is a nurse? Was Mom at work, leaving Dad with the 2 young children?
Whatever happened, Sherin, I'm sorry & hope that you are OK!
:seeya: