A call about an unruly teenager quickly turned into something far more concerning after children told deputies they feared abuse inside their own home.
According to a report from the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched after a parent reported a 14-year-old throwing objects during a domestic dispute.
After speaking with family members, deputies prepared to leave when a woman at the residence began yelling that physical and mental abuse was occurring in the home.
Deputies then spoke privately with one of the children inside a patrol vehicle. The child told deputies she did not feel safe and stated that the children in the home were being physically and mentally abused by their father.
A younger child also spoke with deputies and confirmed the allegations, saying she had proof of physical abuse on a cellphone.
Due to the seriousness of the claims, deputies forwarded the information to Child Protective Services for investigation. No arrests were made at the scene.
When Kids Speak Up
Law enforcement officials say situations like this highlight how important it is for children to feel safe telling someone when something isn’t right — whether that’s a teacher, relative, or police officer.
Once allegations of abuse are made, CPS becomes responsible for determining what happened and what steps are needed to protect the children.
💬 Do kids in our community know who to turn to when they don’t feel safe — and are we listening when they do?