This is part 7 of a 7-part series written by Elena Cawley focusing on child abuse prevention and awareness in Coffee County
2020 investigations in Coffee County
- 4 investigations involving the death of a child
- 244 investigations involving sexual abuse allegations
- 333 total severe child abuse investigations
After the Child Protective Investigative Team (CPIT) reviews child abuse cases, some of the cases go to the court system. While high hurdles stand on the way to achieving a conviction, District Attorney Craig Northcott and Assistant District Attorney Jason Ponder seek justice for every child victim of child abuse. They stressed the importance of reporting child abuse and raising awareness.
Ponder serves as liaison of the District Attorney’s Office with CPIT.
“CPIT is a multi-disciplinary group that comes together once a month to discuss every severe abuse case and sex abuse case that is reported in our district,” Ponder said.
The Coffee County Children’s Advocacy Center hosts the CPIT meetings.
“I provide advice when it comes to law enforcement and legal prosecution perspective,” Ponder said. “The team focuses on the health and wellbeing of the child, the safety of the child and the future health and wellbeing of the child,”
The District Attorney’s office focuses “almost exclusively on the offender,” said Ponder.
“Of course, this involves the safety of the child by keeping the offender away from the child,” Ponder said.
More than 300 investigations related to severe child abuse were conducted in 2020.
“Not all of these investigations resulted in criminal charges for a variety of reasons including that there was no or insufficient proof to support the allegations and/or the conduct did not meet the statutory definition of any current crime,” Northcott said. “In total, there were at least 333 severe child abuse investigations in 2020. This included four investigations involving the death of a child and 244 investigations involving sexual abuse allegations.”
Challenges
Tough challenges related to prosecuting the cases create obstacles on the way to finding justice.
“One of the challenges is delay in reporting,” Northcott said, adding the investigation is rarely immediate.
In most other cases, the investigation happens instantly. For example, if a fight with injuries occurs, an immediate investigation follows the crime, said Northcott.
“Child abuse very rarely occurs that way,” Northcott said. “There are usually at least days and more often weeks, months and even years between the crime and the reporting of the crime. Which means tracking down witnesses, documenting the injuries, these types of proof issues are always present in a child abuse case. And then the victims are anywhere from newborns to 17-year-old children with varying ability to communicate. You have the impact of a long-term abusive situation, and psychologically that plays into the children’s willingness to communicate the abuse. Because of the fear and control that come from living in that type of lifestyle, getting them to open up and talk about what has been a secret their entire lives (is very hard).”
Stigma and embarrassment add to the difficulty of sharing information.
“If you get into the sex abuse aspect, it’s just an embarrassing thing to talk about, and younger children don’t necessarily even understand that sex abuse is abuse,” Northcott said. “Getting them to communicate what happened to them and getting corroborating evidence – where it’s not just he-said-she-said situation because the abuser is often very good at discrediting the victim – is very challenging.”
Additionally, children may experience behavioral issues.
“There are often behavioral issues with the victim, often a product of the environment they are in,” Northcott said. “That behavioral acting out is often a cry for help.”
It hurts Northcott to “see the pain in children’s eyes and hear their voices and the pleading for help.”
“Without ever saying those words, you just feel it in talking with them…and you don’t want to disappoint them, but you can’t make any promises to them,” Northcott said. “If I don’t have the evidence, I have to dismiss the case. And then, if you do have a case, there’s no guarantee you can get a conviction. You feel a big sense of responsibility to assist in this situation. (But) I do have to stand back and not let it get personal, so I can evaluate the case correctly.
“All of these factors come into play to make child abuse cases hard from an evidentiary and trial perspective.”
Regardless of the difficulties, the prosecutors aim to provide justice.
“(We) have handled (many) cases and prosecuted them successfully,” Northcott said. “When you are able to do that, these are some of the most rewarding cases. You feel like you have achieved real justice. You have accomplished something and have protected a child from a future abuse and have gotten them a sense of closure. You often see the change in that child.”
Arresting and convicting the abuser has a positive impact on children because they know someone believes them enough to make an arrest and file charges.
When prosecutors achieve a conviction, they find a reward in seeing children “put the chapter of abuse, to a certain extent, behind them,” said Northcott.
According to Ponder, the prosecution process can take a long time and can cause additional phycological burden to the victims.
“A lot of times, trials are dictated by court calendar and witness availability,” Ponder said. “But another thing that is unique is the child’s readiness to testify. We don’t want to cause the children harm – psychological, psychiatric, spiritual, emotional harm – by pushing them on the witness stand before they’re ready. Obviously, we try to get these cases justice as quickly as possible, but we’re not going to be steamrollers in doing so and just bowl over the victims, who are the most vulnerable people in our community.”
‘Your mental, spiritual, physical health cannot ever be dependent on a court case’
Ponder said it pains him to witness the effects of child abuse.
“One of the hardest things is the human response of a child that has been harmed – and any child we encounter has been harmed, they have reached out for some reason and they are suffering for some reason,” Ponder said. “We try to discern what the reason is, and I want to be their champion and advocate. I want to come in and fight for them because that’s human nature. But sometimes the answer is ‘no.’ Sometimes the answer is ‘we can’t make a case here.’ And one thing I always tell every victim is: Your mental, spiritual, physical health cannot ever be dependent on a court case.’”
The justice system is not perfect, said Ponder.
“Children’s health and wellbeing are far too important to be dependent on a court case,” Ponder said. “I say, ‘We are going to fight for you in this case, but you are going to be okay no matter what happens in court because you are much more important than this court case.’ It’s challenging because your emotional care and love for this child intersects with the understanding of the system. And the reward is seeing children (bloom because they’re believed). Verdict or no verdict, I’ve seen kids bloom regardless of the outcome of the case. When a child sees that someone in our position believes them and is going to fight with them, walk with them and be with them, children leave the role of victim behind, move forward, and often become advocates themselves. Witnessing that is the most rewarding part of my job.”
Report child abuse: 877-237-0004
State law mandates anyone suspecting child abuse to report it.
“There’s a legal obligation to report any suspicion of child abuse to law enforcement and/or DCS,” Northcott said.
The obligation is not limited to teachers, doctors, or any particular position, he said.
Failing to report suspicion of child abuse is a Class A misdemeanor the first time and a felony the second time, said Northcott.
“Tennessee law makes it a crime not to report known abuse,” Northcott said. “There’s a hotline through DCS, and you can do it anonymously. DCS is supposed to act on that tip within 48 hours. If there’s a crime, law enforcement would be brought to investigate it. Reporting abuse is very important. It is almost never the case that abuse is going to be reported from the child directly to law enforcement, or from the child to DCS – that almost never happens. What would generally happen is a teacher, a doctor, a family friend, or the child’s friend would notice something and will say something to someone in their circles. Little Jane is a friend of Little Mary, and Jane is out playing on the playground with Mary and says something about what daddy did to her last night. A day or two later, Mary will say something to her teacher or her parent. That’s usually the most common way investigations get started.
“Listen. As a parent, teacher, pastor, whatever role you play in this community, listen to children. They are going to communicate the way younger children do, so be receptive to that, take it seriously and understand you have a duty to report. Listen to children – we’re talking about a 5-year-old child relaying this, so it’s going to be muddled, it’s not going to be clear. You don’t have to press the child for a bunch of details, we have professionals who know how to do that. We can take the lead there.”
H&R BLOCK STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Join us at Thunder Radio and Rosalyn Partin of the Manchester H&R Block and congratulate our student of the week – Jennifer Warren
Jennifer is in freshman at Coffee County Raider Academy. She is the daughter of Pamela Warren. Her favorite subject is environmental science. After school, she would like to pursue a career as a pianist. In her free time, Jennifer enjoys playing piano and researching flowers.
All students of the week are selected for their work ethic and excellent attitudes in and out of the classroom.
Rosalyn Partin, owner of the Manchester H&R Block, has been inspired to recognize great kids in our community all year long. H&R Block gives each Student of the Week a gift card, a commemorative plaque, as well as a special letter of recognition. Job well done, Jennifer
Walk-up vaccines available Thursday in Manchester
Pop-up vaccines continue in Manchester on Thursday, April 29.
Anyone age 16 and up who would like to receive their COVID-19 vaccine can go to the old Southern Family Market building on Hillsboro Blvd.
The health department will be administering the vaccine from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. There is no appointment necessary – this is a walk-up event.
VFW to host two events in May; venue change for honors day and fair
Your Manchester Veterans of Foreign Wars All-American Post 10904 is hosting two special Vietnam-Era Veterans events in May.
The Vietnam-Era Veterans Honors Dinner is set for Thursday, May 13th,
beginning at 6 PM. This event is open to all Vietnam-Era veterans and their
families and will feature a special, complimentary meal. Guest speakers
will be Howard Thompson, First Lieutenant, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; and
Captain Bill Robinson, U.S. Air Force – the longest-held enlisted prisoner
of war (POW) in Vietnam.
Registration is required, as seating is limited to 100 guests. The event
will be held at the Coffee County Veterans Building, 130 Shelton Road in
Manchester. To register, contact VFW Commander Kimberly King at 251-554-8836
or email: flygal46@yahoo.com <mailto:flygal46@yahoo.com>
On Saturday May 15th, VFW will host its 3rd annual Vietnam-Era Veterans
Honors Day and Fair beginning at 8 AM at Westwood Middle School, 505 Taylor
Street in Manchester. This event is free and open to the public; and
concludes at 2 PM.
A “Walk and Learn” event will allow attendees to walk around the track,
stopping at various tent areas along their journey, to learn different facts
about the Vietnam War and our local veterans’ organizations. A walking stick
is available for purchase upon registration, and stickers will be issued for
it at each learning stop. This event is ideal for children, young adults,
veterans and anyone else wishing to participate and learn more. Arrive
early: “Walk and Learn” is first come, first served, from 8 AM until 10:30
AM.
Following “Walk & Learn”, our main event at 11:30 AM will feature special
guest speakers First Lieutenant Howard Thompson and Captain Bill Robinson.
Those in attendance will be mesmerized by the astonishing, informative
stories our speakers will share.
STUDY: 1 in 4 sit more than 8 hours a day
Tennessee Public News Service
Tennesseans’ daily routines have become more sedentary over the past year, and heart health experts are reminding people that any movement is better than no movement – and more is better.
It’s estimated one in four U.S. adults now sits longer than eight hours a day. Cardiologist Dr. Daniel Munoz, executive medical director at the Vanderbilt Heart and Vascular Institute and incoming board president of the Greater Nashville American Heart Association, said even small activity breaks throughout the day will benefit health and reduce stress.
“The less active somebody is, the tougher it is to, for example, maintain a healthy body weight,” he said. “When we think about the calories we take in from food, our bodies’ ability to efficiently process those calories depends on a certain amount of activity.”
He pointed out that sitting can increase a person’s risk for high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol, all of which can lead to heart disease. April is Move More Month, and nationwide, according to the American Heart Association, almost half of adults are not active enough to maintain good health.
Munoz said you don’t have to be a long-distance runner to reap the benefits of movement. He noted that scheduling breaks and reminders for walking or moving around is one way to avoid being sedentary for too long.
“Try to set aside five or 10 minutes – between your Zoom calls or Google calls or Teams calls – to get some steps in,” he said, “and just getting a few steps in every hour, in the midst of an otherwise busy day, makes a difference.”
Munoz added that many of his patients say finding new or more enjoyable ways to exercise has helped them.
“Once they start to incorporate regular physical activity into their routine,” he said, “just any amount of regular physical activity becomes a good habit.”
Tennessee ranks sixth in the nation for the number of residents who die from heart disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Health Dept. to administer vaccines at pop-up location on Wednesday, Thursday
Coffee County Health Department will host a pop-up vaccination location on Wednesday, April 28 from 3-6 p.m. and again from 11a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 29 at the Southern Family Markets Building in Manchester.
No appointments will be necessary.
Gov. Lee says it’s time for Tennessee to return to normal; lifts local mask mandates
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee says its time for Tennesseans to return to normal.
Lee on Tuesday announced that he is not renewing public health orders because COVID-19 is no longer a health emergency in our state. Lee announced that he is removing authority from local officials to issue mask requirements and has asked mayors in the state’s six big counties to remove remaining mask mandates and business restrictions before Memorial Day weekend.
“This is about trusting Tennesseans, using the tools we have at our disposal to move on from crisis management and back to life and back to business. Tennessee is moving forward thanks to her people,” Lee said.
Lee went on to say that “it’s time for celebrations, weddings and conventions and concerts and parades and proms and everything in between to happen without limits on gathering sizes or other arbitrary restrictions for those events.”
The ruling also eliminates the mask mandate that was in place for the Coffee County School System. The Coffee County Board of Education met on Tuesday in an emergency called meeting to discuss the matter and rescinded the policy.
Lee signed executive order 80 (EO 80).
EO 80 contains the following provisions and is effective through May 31, 2021:
Removing Local Mask Authority
While Tennessee has never had a statewide mask mandate, EO 80 removes the local authority for county mayors in 89 of the state’s 95 counties to require face coverings throughout their jurisdictions.
Gov. Lee has requested counties with independent health departments – Shelby, Madison, Davidson, Hamilton, Knox and Sullivan – that have remaining business restrictions or mask requirements to lift all measures no later than May 30.
Extending Deregulatory Provisions
EO 80 extends helpful deregulatory provisions to enable individuals, businesses and other organizations time to adapt their operations in anticipation of ending said provisions.
Maintaining Federal Funding
EO 80 maintains Tennessee’s access to federal funding, including SNAP benefits and cost reimbursements for the Tennessee National Guard’s testing and vaccination efforts.
In addition to EO 80, the following provisions are effective immediately:
Offering Walk-Up Vaccine Option
While the COVID-19 vaccine continues to be available to Tennesseans aged 16 and older by appointment, local health departments will now offer a walk-up option.
Retiring Optional Business Guidance
The Tennessee Pledge business guidelines issued at the start of COVID-19 have been officially retired.
McMinnville man injured in hit-and-run; authorities asking for information
A McMinnville man was hurt near Smyrna Cemetery in Warren County Monday after a hit-and-run, according to WOWC news.
According to THP, witnesses found 35-year old Michael Brandon Moore of McMinnville lying near the road with severe road rash and lacerations. The trooper report states that it appears Moore was struck and left injured. A dark color sedan was seen by witnesses before finding moore, however a make and model were not determined.
Moore was taken to Erlanger Health Systems, according to WOWC. If anyone has information regarding this incident, you are encouraged to call THP at 931-528-8496 or 423-954-2130
SHARE. SHOW YOU CARE. FIGHT CHILD ABUSE (Part 6)
By Elena Cawley
(The following is part 6 of a 7 part series to raise awareness of child abuse in Coffee County)
Nurse Practitioner Lori Littrell says raising awareness, educating the community about red flags, dispelling myths and believing children will help battle child abuse.
Littrell has worked at Our Kids for more than 10 years.
“Our Kids provides expert medical forensic evaluations and crisis counseling for children and families dealing with child sexual abuse,” Littrell said. “We serve over 45 counties in Middle Tennessee. We see over 800 children every year from birth to 15 years old. There is no cost to families for our services.”
Our Kids has a clinic in Manchester.
“We provide services for Coffee county and its surrounding counties,” Littrell said. “We have a satellite clinic located at the advocacy center in Manchester. We also have our main clinic in Nashville and other satellites in Cookeville, Clarksville and Lawrenceburg.”
Our Kids has offered services for more than 30 years, and nurse practitioners and social workers are on call 24/7, according to Littrell.
Myths surrounding child sexual abuse
“One of the biggest challenges of my job is helping children and families overcome the many myths that surround child sexual abuse,” Littrell said. “People often think children will act a certain way, perpetrators will act strange or will be a stranger. Many believe it will be obvious if something is happening. People often think that children’s bodies will look different. I’ve seen, time and time again, the reality looks very different, and this can sometimes make it difficult for adults to believe a child who has disclosed abuse and to act accordingly. The reality is most children are abused by someone who’s trusted and loved by the family. Many children show no signs that they are being abused – they may still seem happy and most do not fear their abuser.”
Littrell aims to dispel these myths and to provide medical exams in a safe environment.
“The most satisfying part of my job is to give a child a checkup – which is not painful or invasive and is done in a very kid-friendly way – and be able to look at them afterwards and tell them: ‘Your body is perfect. You look completely healthy. Your body looks like every other 7-year-old or 13-year-old child.’”
Littrell has witnessed the positive effect of her words.
“Some children take a very deep breath, some just visibly relax, some smile,” she said. “For some kids it looks like a weight drops off of them. Many kids worry that their bodies aren’t okay after abuse happens. The reality is the vast majority of kids have no injury and look completely normal and healthy when they have their checkups, and the most satisfying part for me is getting to communicate to kids and families.”
Littrell said the community can help fight child abuse.
Believe kids.
“Most children do not make this up,” she said. “Disclosure is difficult and is a process.”
Recognize that abuse happens.
Educate yourself.
“There are classes, such as Darkness to Light, that help educate on what to look for and what to do if a child is being abused,” she said.
Parents, talk to your kids.
“Let children know what parts of their bodies are private and that no one should touch those parts. If anyone ever does, it’s always okay to tell,” she said. “Also, just talk to your kids. If we don’t communicate with our kids about the small things, it will be very difficult for them to talk about something big and potentially scary, like abuse.”
If you suspect abuse, report.
“You don’t have to prove abuse happened. If you have suspicions, report.”
There is hope.
“When children are believed and protected and receive the help they need, they will continue to thrive,” Littrell said. “The abuse does not have to define the child’s life. Children are resilient.”
For more information about Our Kids, visit www.ourkidscenter.com.
Know the signs
The following are possible indicators of abuse and neglect, according to the Department of Children’s Services:
The child has repeated, unexplained injuries that are not properly treated.
The child begins acting in unusual ways, becoming disruptive, aggressive, passive or withdrawn.
The child acts as a parent toward his or her brothers and sisters.
Disturbed sleep (nightmares, bed wetting, fear of sleeping alone, and needing a nightlight), may be an indication, as well.
The child loses his/her appetite, overeats or reports being hungry.
A sudden drop in school grades or lack of participation in activities may indicate abuse.
Developmentally inappropriate, such as sexual behavior that is not normal for his/her age group, may be a red flag.
The child may report abusive or neglectful acts.
TN House passes bill to prevent government mandate of vaccine; moves to senate
Republicans overwhelmingly supported legislation on Wednesday that prohibits state and local governments from forcing citizens to receive Covid-19 vaccinations against their will.
As amended, House Bill 13 prevents a law enforcement agency, governmental entity, or governor or chief executive of a local government from requiring citizens to receive the vaccination against their will. Students of public higher education institutions who are enrolled in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy or another health care profession who may be subject to policies or rules of a private office that delivers health care services are exempt.
House Republicans have long stood for individual freedom over government mandates. This legislation does not deny a person the ability to receive a Covid-19 vaccine, but rather respects an individual’s right to decide for themselves if receiving the vaccine is an appropriate action to take.
The bill now awaits passage in the Senate.
