🚨SUSPECTED CHILD SEX ASSAULT TRIGGERS MULTI-COUNTY RESPONSE

A disturbing report has prompted law enforcement in both Scioto and Lawrence Counties to begin an investigation into an alleged sexual assault involving a young child. 

According to deputies, a woman took her small child to Southern Ohio Medical Center (SOMC), stating the child had just returned from a visit with siblings in Lawrence County—where the alleged abuse occurred. She told Scioto County deputies that the child had been assaulted by an older sibling and that sibling’s girlfriend. 

⚠️ The report immediately triggered inter-agency coordination: 

• Scioto County contacted Lawrence County to investigate. 

• A Lawrence County deputy was dispatched to SOMC, but before arrival, was told the mother and child had already left. 

• The deputy was instructed to generate a formal report and begin gathering identifying information. 

• By 7 a.m. the next morning, an evaluation kit was ready for pickup—indicating that a forensic exam had taken place. 

Detectives have been notified and the case is under investigation. 

🧒💔 If you suspect a child is being abused—physically, sexually, or emotionally—don’t wait. Here’s what to do: 

🚨 1. Call 911 or your local police immediately 

If a child is in immediate danger or you witness abuse firsthand, call authorities without delay. 

📞 2. Contact Children’s Services 

You can also call your local child protective services agency or the Ohio Child Abuse Hotline at 1-855-OH-CHILD (1-855-642-4453). 

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🧑‍⚕️ 3. Seek medical evaluation 

If sexual abuse is suspected, take the child to a hospital or child advocacy center immediately. Medical professionals can conduct exams and collect evidence safely. 

🧾 4. Do not question the child in detail 

Let trained investigators and child advocates handle interviews. Pressing for too many details can retraumatize the child or affect the case. 

🔒 5. Protect the child from further contact 

If the alleged abuser is a relative or someone close to the family, make sure the child is no longer in their care or vicinity. 

It only takes one voice to protect a child. If you see something, say something. Let trained professionals step in before the damage goes any deeper.