The call came in after a child allegedly made a troubling statement on the ride home. Deputies were told a young boy said he had been pinched on his privates with a pair of tweezers while visiting another child.
According to a report from the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, the child made the disclosure after being picked up from his father’s home. The mother immediately contacted law enforcement. Deputies opened a case with Children’s Services, and investigators will now follow up with the family.
No arrests were made at the time of the report.
When a Child Reports Something Like This: What Parents Should Do
These cases can be frightening, emotional, and confusing — especially when the alleged incident involves kids interacting with other kids.
Most importantly: you did exactly what you’re supposed to do — get the information, stay calm, and alert authorities.
Here’s what experts recommend:
Stay calm and don’t interrogate the child
Ask open, gentle questions such as:
- “Can you tell me what happened?”
- “Where were you?”
- “Is there anything else you want to tell me?”
Do not push for details — that’s what trained forensic interviewers handle.
Contact law enforcement or CPS immediately
Even if the situation seems unclear or strange, reporting allows trained professionals to sort out what really happened.
Understand that many cases involve children acting inappropriately, not predators
Kids experiment. They test boundaries. They imitate things they’ve seen.
It is not always evidence of grooming or adult abuse — but it is a sign that:
- Boundaries need to be reinforced
- Adults need to intervene
- All children involved should be checked on emotionally and medically
Don’t punish your child for telling you
Make sure they feel safe, supported, and believed.
Let investigators handle interviews
CPS and specialized interviewers know how to ask questions without accidentally influencing a child’s memory. Follow up with your pediatrician
Even minor-sounding incidents should be documented, and doctors can provide reassurance or treatment if needed.
Why These Reports Matter
Local agencies say they receive cases like this more often than people realize — not always abuse by adults, but frequently youth-on-youth behavior that crosses boundaries.
Officials stress that the goal is safety, education, and intervention, not punishment of a child unless intentional harm is proven.
Investigators are continuing to follow up on this case.
