Sarah
Four-year-old Sarah disclosed to her mother that her father had sexually abused her since she was three. The police referred the case to CPS as the mother was led to believe the police do not deal with familial sexual assault. In fear of retaliation from the father, the daughter said that it was not true. This resulted in CPS closing the case, but the daughter continued to suffer abuse from her father and disclose to the mother. The mother reached out to CPS but was informed that she must be coaching Sarah and would not re-open the case. Mom got therapy services for Sarah to help with her trauma. The mother tried to get a protective order for her daughter. The judge denied it and even awarded full custody to the father while ignoring documented evidence. Later that judge was investigated and removed from the bench due to misconduct including his denial of evidence and continued favoritism of fathers. Some time had passed and the daughter was finally ready to speak up again. This time mother reached out to Justice for Children for help. The advocate, working together with the mother’s attorney, was able to get a new hearing scheduled. Custody of little Sarah was awarded to the mother as the evidence was permitted.
Nicholas
Nicholas lives with his mother since she and his father divorced. Nicholas’ mother described the domestic abuse she suffered during their marriage. The son also suffered abuse from dad such as pulling the son’s hair until he cried and aggressively yanking the son by his arm. She reported that the son continued to be a victim of his father’s rages. One day during a drop off/exchange the father slapped the mother with the child in his arms. The evidence of this day was turned over to the District Attorney but the chargers were never picked up and the case was closed. Both the mother and the detective on the case were surprised. However, the mom was granted a protection order for both her and Nicholas for two years. She contacted Justice for Children to see if it was possible for the charges to be revisited. The advocate had the mother sign a consent and release form as well as scan over documentation validating the abuse. After a thorough review of the documentation, it was discovered that the DA missed some key evidence including a video of the incident as well as an eye witness willing to testify. Within two weeks the investigation was reopened and the father was eventually assigned supervised visitation and to attend a battering intervention program and parenting classes.
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