#WhyIsThisHappening #SchoolSafety #ProtectOurChildren
Can you believe that my child is being sexually assaulted at school by another classmate and he’s only 7 years old? It’s a nightmare I never thought I’d have to face. The school seems to be turning a blind eye to this horrific situation, and I’m at my wit’s end.
I’ve spoken to the principal, made a report to CPS, and even involved the police. Yet, nothing concrete is being done to address this issue. It’s outrageous that a child can go through this kind of trauma and the response is so lackluster.
I can’t send my child back to school until I know he’ll be safe. I’m desperately trying to find therapy services for him while navigating the bureaucratic nightmare of reporting and investigation processes.
What should my next steps be? How do I ensure that justice is served in this case? Share your thoughts and advice in the comments below. Let’s come together as a community to protect our children and demand accountability from schools and authorities. #ProtectOurChildren #SchoolSafety #JusticeForSon 🚸💔
Is the other kid 7 as well? What state is this in?
NAL … And totally understand the costs can be exorbitant… But at least speak to some lawyers. Many times, the initial consult is free. It is unlikely your concerns will be taken seriously unless a lawyer is involved. I hate that this is (likely) the reality, but it can also potentially help you work through your options for next steps.
You may be able to get a lawyer to take this on on a contingency basis. Basically the school is open to a lawsuit here for failure to prevent the sexual assault. There are lawyers who take on cases like this where you pay nothing unless the school district is found liable (or settles) and then the lawyer gets a percent of the winnings (1/3 is typical in my state).
The Florida CPS helpline is oftentimes a long wait on the phone but this is something that needs to be reported immediately to a live operator and they will tell you right then and there if it meets the criteria for an investigation.
Call your local rape crisis center and speak with an advocate who can assist you with resources and if you need legal assistance, they often have free legal aid and many other services they can offer at no cost.
It sounds like this young boy is being victimized also because that behavior is severely abnormal. Calling CPS could get him the help he needs. Keep calling and don’t hang up until you speak with someone.
I do believe the statute in Florida say 7 or younger cannot be charged with a crime unless it’s classified as a forcable felony. Which what you described is not They can take other action such as removal from that school, consouling etc, bet he will not be charged.
You’ve come to this platform to seek legal advice? That has lawsuit written all over it and in so many different directions
Go to your local emergency room. They’ll take it from there
You need to go up the chain to the superintendent and school board while waiting for CPS to do their thing
I have a lot of thoughts, but they’re garbled, so I’m listing them:
1) I have been in your shoes and it feels like hell. I’m sorry for how this feels in your heart, and how it feels for your son.
2) My son is in therapy for it, and still mentions it regularly as something he’s upset about having had happen. He’s also frustrated he has to see this other boy in the halls and has seen no justice. He is on guard because of it.
3) The adults who are supposed to deal with this situation likely won’t, for a couple reasons. The “kids are kids” defense, where they say it’s experimental and normal blah blah blah. But it’s not when it’s habitual and under these circumstances.
4) CPS was super disappointing in my situation; they’re dealing with crack heads letting their babies walk down the road without clothes. They didn’t prioritize my son because their caseload was really heavy and they didn’t see it as egregious enough of a transgression to really lend any merit to an investigation.
5) Same as the cops, they don’t have much of an investigation when it’s 7yo v 7yo, and it’s word against word. Not much they’ll do; the best I’d say might come if this report is that maybe they catch the parents being irresponsible in some manner that can indicate what’s up with the perpetrating child causing this sort of damage to one of his peers.
6) The parents of the child never replied to my attempts at conversation, and the school refused to get me in contact with them.
Above all, if you’re wanting justice, prepare to be disappointed. The best I ended up being able to do was make my son safe in the process by having any contact with this kid, aside from in the halls, stopped. I keep constant communication going in regard to what happened with my son, and we talk about good and bad touches, trusting people, strangers, you name it. Therapy is helping; that’s nice to see. Now I am still not over it, I’m mad all over again reading your post. I hope you can find a sense of peace and know that you’re taking the right steps. There is no limit to where you can escalate when it comes to your kids in situations like this.
Go to the police….it time to not be nice anymore..