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A nurse in Danvers, Massachusetts, is facing more than 30 counts of abuse after allegedly assaulting a patient who could not speak for herself. Prosecutors say Cynthia Beck was caught on camera striking a 27-year-old woman who is blind and has cerebral palsy. "These events have been devastating to my family," the victim's father told NBC10 Boston. "It's impacted all facets of our lives — the relationship was so deep." He asked to remain anonymous, but said his daughter deserves justice. The family expressed frustration over delays in the case but remains hopeful. "We're frustrated by the delay, but we understand that we'll work through the judicial process," he said. "I think everything will come out next time on Dec. 3. We just want to receive justice." What court records reveal According to court documents, Beck faces 32 counts of assault and battery on a person with disabilities. The alleged abuse occurred on May 18, 2025, at the victim's home. A police narrative describes the disturbing details captured on a family-installed camera: Beck allegedly struck the victim three times in the chest. She then allegedly lifted the victim by the neck with one hand, an act investigators say could cause spinal injury. Beck allegedly flicked her fingers into the victim's face twice. She also allegedly lifted the victim's left leg abruptly, which police noted posed a risk of harm. Court records state that the video, now impounded at Essex Superior Court, shows Beck's face, which authorities confirmed with her Registry of Motor Vehicles photo. Photos taken the next morning showed redness above the victim's lips and nose. Beck was arrested on May 23 and initially held on $10,000 bail with GPS monitoring and strict conditions. Her nursing license was suspended, and she was fired from Northeast Arc. Legal experts say Beck's license is unlikely to be reinstated while criminal charges are pending. Northeast Arc responds Jo Ann Simons, CEO of Northeast Arc, issued the following statement: "Northeast Arc was notified by family of a client, who receives in-home services, alleging assaultive behavior by a nurse employed by the organization. The incident was investigated, and the employee was terminated. Northeast Arc has been in regular communication with the family, who continue to use Northeast Arc’s home care services." Legal expert: Jailtime likely NBC10 Boston legal analyst Michael Coyne says the charges are serious and carry enhanced penalties because the victim has disabilities. "We'd definitely be likely looking at jailtime," Coyne said. "There are certain communities — the elderly, the disabled — where there are additional criminal penalties for preying on those groups, as well as more serious sentences. Because of the victim's disabilities and the manner in which these crimes were allegedly committed, the likelihood is that if convicted, the sentence would be much harsher than otherwise." While much of the alleged abuse was captured on cameras, Coyne said the victim's inability to testify could complicate the case. "That gives the defendant the chance to try and create reasonable doubt," he said. Still, Coyne believes any plea deal would likely include incarceration. "Whatever deal the government might consider is likely to require some jailtime," he said. "If not, the defendant will try the case with the expectation they can create that level of reasonable doubt." Advocates say training and oversight are critical The case has sparked broader concerns about caregiver training and accountability. Maura Sullivan, CEO of the Arc of Massachusetts, says the problem is systemic. She says the organization runs programs in all Massachusetts medical schools and many graduate nursing schools to train future providers on how to better care for patients with disabilities. "We teach them how to be more confident, competent and compassionate," Sullivan said. "One of the biggest things we focus on is communication — even when a patient may not be verbal." That includes using gestures, assistive technology and taking time to understand the individual. "When people are in pain and can't communicate, it's critical to learn how to connect," she said. A widespread confidence gap Sullivan points to a troubling statistic: "A study showed 60% of practicing physicians did not feel comfortable treating patients with autism or intellectual and developmental disabilities," she said. Care for people with complex disabilities is highly individualized, Sullivan explained. "Even basic tasks like repositioning in bed or helping someone to the bathroom involve many steps," she said. Nicky's Law and the push for accountability In 2020, the Arc helped pass Nicky's Law, which created a statewide registry of caregivers who have been substantiated for abuse. "This registry is super important," Sullivan said. "We want to make sure the good people stay in the field and the people who don't belong never get hired again." The registry currently lists more than 120 individuals. "That tells you there are people causing harm — and they need to be out of the picture," Sullivan said. What families can do Experts urge families to check caregivers' references, install cameras and trust their instincts. "It's a good example of 'trust but verify,'" Coyne said. "You've got to be careful and have alternate methods to make sure people are receiving the care you want them to." Sullivan echoed that advice. "If something doesn't feel right, follow up," she said. "It really can be life or death." Beck is due back in court Dec. 3.
