Portsmouth Police responded just before 7 p.m. after a deeply concerned mother contacted authorities, reporting that her child disclosed an incident of possible sexual abuse at a Portsmouth home earlier in the week.
Officers immediately met with the mother and child, conducted an initial interview, and gathered key details for an official report. After speaking with both, officers escorted the family back home and advised that the case will move forward through the investigative process. The matter remains actively under investigation.
This incident underscores how quickly situations can escalate—and how important it is for families to know what steps to take if they fear a child has been abused.
If You Suspect Sexual Abuse — Here’s What You MUST Do
Even if you’re unsure, even if the child’s story feels fragmented, and even if you’re afraid of conflict with the alleged offender, you should act immediately. Here’s how:
1️⃣ Contact Law Enforcement Immediately
Call 911 or your local police department. You do not have to have proof—just reasonable concern. Police can help secure medical care, interviews, and documentation.
2️⃣ Do NOT Confront the Suspected Offender
Confrontations can:
- Put you or the child in danger
- Tip off the offender
- Interfere with the investigation
Let law enforcement handle it.
3️⃣ Avoid Pressuring the Child for Details
Let trained forensic interviewers talk with the child later.
Do:
✔ Listen
✔ Stay calm
✔ Reassure them
Don’t:
✘ Ask leading questions
✘ Promise outcomes (“Daddy will go to jail”)
✘ Show shock or anger
4️⃣ Seek Medical Care
Even if there are no visible injuries, medical staff can check for:
- Hidden injuries
- STIs
- Signs of trauma
- Evidence that could assist police
5️⃣ Contact Children Services
Ohio law requires mandatory reporting of suspected child abuse.
You can call the Scioto County Children Services hotline directly if unsure whether to involve police.
🛑 What NOT to Do
- Don’t wait “to see if more details come out.”
- Don’t let the child out of your sight with the suspected abuser.
- Don’t try to handle it within the family.
- Don’t worry about being wrong—you can’t get in trouble for reporting in good faith.
❤️ A Community Responsibility
Child sexual abuse is one of the most difficult and underreported crimes nationwide. Cases like the one Portsmouth Police responded to show how vital it is for family members, teachers, neighbors, and caregivers to stay alert and take disclosures seriously.
If you ever suspect a child is being harmed, don’t hesitate.
Speak up.
Call.
Report.
You could be saving a life.
