In less than 24 hours, local law enforcement responded to two disturbing reports of child sexual assault, both originating from a Portsmouth hospital. The cases have now prompted a deeper look at how to recognize and respond to signs of abuse — and how early action can change everything.
In the first incident, officers were dispatched after a child disclosed they had been sexually assaulted. Upon investigation, it was determined that the alleged crime occurred several weeks ago in New Boston, prompting authorities to contact New Boston Police, who took over the case.
The very next day, officers were called back to the hospital for a separate child sex offense report. In this second case, the accused was a relative of the child. A social worker from Greenup County Child Protective Services was present at the hospital and made the decision to place the child in the custody of another family member while authorities investigated. Officers collected evidence and filed an official report.
🛑 What You Can Do If You Suspect Child Sexual Abuse
These cases serve as urgent reminders that child sexual abuse can happen in any community — often behind closed doors and at the hands of trusted individuals. If you think something isn’t right, don’t ignore it.
🚩 Know the Warning Signs:
- Sudden withdrawal, anxiety, or depression
- Unexplained bruising or physical injuries
- Inappropriate sexual behavior or language
- Nightmares or bedwetting
- Fear of being left alone with a specific person
- Reluctance to change clothes or participate in physical activities
📞 Take Immediate Action:
- Believe the Child
If a child tells you something has happened, remain calm, reassure them, and avoid asking leading questions. Thank them for trusting you.
- Call Authorities Immediately
- If the child is in immediate danger, call 911.
- Otherwise, call local law enforcement or Children Services.
- In Ohio:
📞 Scioto County Children Services: (740) 456-4164
📞 Ohio Child Abuse Hotline: 1-855-OH-CHILD
- Seek Medical Evaluation
A hospital visit can help assess injuries, provide documentation, and preserve potential forensic evidence.
- Do Not Confront the Suspected Abuser
Leave investigations to trained professionals. Confronting the abuser could compromise the case or endanger the child further.
- Report — Even If It Happened Weeks Ago
As in the first case above, a delay doesn’t invalidate the report. Children often wait to speak up — it’s never too late to take action.
💬 Protecting the Most Vulnerable
In both recent Portsmouth cases, adults took steps to involve authorities, allowing children to be protected and investigations to begin. These stories may be hard to hear, but they also remind us that being vigilant, speaking up, and supporting survivors are the most powerful tools we have.
If you suspect something is wrong, don’t second-guess yourself. Trust your instincts, take action, and help ensure no child suffers in silence.
Child abuse thrives in the dark — but truth, action, and compassion shine a light that can stop it.
