A worried mother walked into the Portsmouth Police Department this week to report that her child may have been inappropriately touched several years ago in Wayne Hills.
The woman told officers her child only recently disclosed the incident, which she believes may have taken place in 2021 or 2022. Police immediately contacted Pike County Children’s Protective Services to assist and took information for a report.
Why It Matters
It’s never too late to report suspected abuse. Children may delay sharing their experiences for years out of fear, shame, or confusion but that does not make the allegation any less serious in the eyes of investigators.
Police and child advocates encourage parents to act quickly whenever a child comes forward, regardless of when the incident is said to have happened. Delayed reports can still lead to investigations, protection for other children, and critical support for victims.
What Parents Should Do
Listen without judgment: Create a safe space where children feel comfortable sharing what happened.
Report immediately: Contact local police or child protective services, even if the abuse occurred years earlier.
Seek professional support: Counselors and advocacy centers can provide resources for both children and families.
Reinforce safety: Remind children that speaking up was the right thing to do and that they are not at fault.
Officials stress that when it comes to child safety, silence only protects the abuser. Coming forward — even years later — is always the right call.
Deputies Step In After Report of Inappropriate Contact in West Portsmouth
A disturbing call brought Scioto County Sheriff’s Deputies to West Portsmouth after a report that a 12-year-old girl was seen sitting on an older man’s lap while having what was described as an inappropriate conversation.
When officers arrived, they spoke with both the man and the child. Each insisted nothing inappropriate had happened and said they were “just talking.” However, the girl’s mother told deputies she did not want her daughter around the man, and the girl admitted she also didn’t feel comfortable. She added that the man often tried to talk to her and follow her around, even when she didn’t want the attention.
Deputies explained how to apply for a protection order and gave the man a clear warning to stay away from the child.
Situations like this can be confusing, especially for children who may not know how to handle unwanted attention. Deputies say the most important thing is to trust your instincts and speak up.
Here are some safety tips for kids:
🚫 Say “No” and Step Away: If someone makes you feel uncomfortable, it’s okay to leave the situation immediately.
🗣️ Tell a Trusted Adult: Always let a parent, teacher, or another adult you trust know what happened.
📱 Call for Help: If you feel unsafe, dial 911.
👩👧 Parents’ Role: Remind your children that it’s not rude to set boundaries. Support them when they tell you someone’s behavior makes them uneasy.
Even if no crime is committed, unwanted attention can still cross important boundaries. By teaching children to speak up and providing clear avenues for protection, families can help prevent unsafe situations from escalating.
