Two children, aged 9 and 10, who brutally attacked a 5-year-old girl in Cleveland, have been charged with egregious crimes. The brutal attack occurred last month, and the two children are being charged in connection with the assault, according to Cuyahoga County prosecutors. The initial charges against the the two children, a 9-year-old boy and a 10-year-old girl, are charges of felonious assault, rape, attempted murder, kidnapping, and strangulation.
These tragic events have left the Ohio community stunned, unable to comprehend how such violence happens in their community. Cases involving children as young as both the accused and the victim are a rare occurrence, leaving many parents baffled, worried, and searching for answers. The tragedy is a critical reminder for parents and caregivers to reflect on child safety, trauma, and the systems in place to protect children.
The Ohio Incident
The 5-year-old girl was dropped off at a family member’s house by her mother, Antavia Kennibrew, on September 13th, in Cleveland. According to the victim’s mother, the 5-year-old wandered out the front door of the family member’s residence and into a field. She was then brutally attacked by the two children at some point while wandering. Upon returning home, the 5-year-old’s mother was met by EMS treating her daughter in a field near East 148th Street and St. Clair Avenue. According to the 5-year-old girls’ mom, she had been severely beaten and was “unrecognisable” after the attack. “What I saw was unbelievable,” the mother told reporters, “My daughter was not my daughter.”
The circumstances behind the attack are not completely clear; however, the two children, a 9-year-old boy and a 10-year-old girl, have been charged in connection with the assault. Currently, the investigation is still ongoing and being conducted by the Cleveland Division of Police. The case involves sensitive accusations against children barely older than the victim herself. The department cannot release more information due to these circumstances. According to Kennibrew, the attack left her daughter emotionally, mentally and physically scarred and is currently in therapy. “I want her to just be somewhat of a normal 5-year-old again,” she pleaded.
Understanding the Unimaginable
Though this case is profoundly unsettling, national experts emphasize that acts of such violence carried out by young children are extremely rare. According to the Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, juveniles commit approximately 15% of reported rapes. However, most juvenile sexual offenses involve teenagers, not preteens. Research shows that children under age 10 who commit violent sexual acts are often victims of severe trauma or violence themselves.
The Bureau of Justice Statistics indicates that sexual assault rates are highest among teens aged 12-18, not younger children. While approximately 63,000 children annually experience substantiated sexual abuse, perpetrators are overwhelmingly adults. Studies confirm that victims typically know their abusers: acquaintances, family members, or intimate partners account for the vast majority of cases. These statistics do not diminish the severity of the Cleveland tragedy, and parents and caretakers should not raise alarm but be vigilant and aware of the warning signs that lead to such a tragedy.
When Children Show Concerning Behaviors
There are unavoidable distresses in life that may affect children, however, most recover through parental guidance without long-term effects. But children who have experienced severe cases of trauma like the loss of a close relative or abuse remain at higher risk of long-term emotional scarring. Parents and caregivers must stay alert for warning signs in children, such as recurrent aggression or drastic mood swings, that could indicate something is wrong.
Children who have experienced severe trauma will exhibit drastic behavioral changes which manifest in many ways. Children may display age-inappropriate sexual knowledge or behaviors. They might withdraw from activities they once engaged in, have constant night terrors, and present heightened anxiety. Their academic performance often declines when children struggle emotionally.
According to the Child Mind Institute, children experiencing trauma may develop obsessive thoughts about death or safety. Some become hyper-focused on mortality while others develop excessive worry about their own safety or family members’ well-being. Sleep disturbances, appetite changes, and difficulty concentrating frequently accompany traumatic stress.
The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry notes that children at risk may show self-destructive behaviors, substance experimentation, or severe mood swings. Not every child displaying these behaviors has experienced trauma or will become violent. However, persistent concerning behaviors warrant professional evaluation.
Talking to Young Kids About Boundaries and Safety
Protecting children from abuse starts with prevention. Begin by teaching children age-appropriate education about body autonomy and personal boundaries to recognise unsafe people or situations. Teaching children about their own bodies will equip them to understand what situations or people make them uncomfortable. Children should understand they can refuse unwanted physical affection, even from relatives. Parents can offer alternatives: “Would you like a hug, high-five, or just wave hello?“. Experts recommend beginning these conversations before age 3, using simple language children understand.
The concept of private parts should be explained clearly and in a way that children can understand. Tell children that areas covered by swimsuits are private. Emphasize that no one should touch their private parts except for health reasons, like bathing or medical exams. Medical examinations should always occur with a trusted caregiver present.
According to Strong4Life, children need vocabulary to identify comfortable versus uncomfortable touches. Explain that in the context of medical procedures, some touches are meant to keep them healthy but might feel strange. Other touches from anyone else should never occur in secret. Children should know at least 3 trusted adults they can tell if something feels wrong or if someone has done something they are uncomfortable with. Emphasize that families do not keep secrets, and children will not be subjected to punishment for disclosing when someone or something makes them uncomfortable.
Supporting a Child Who Has Experienced Trauma
In the immediate aftermath of a traumatic event, children primarily need support and comfort. Immediate compassionate responses shape their recovery from traumatic effects. Children are especially vulnerable after experiencing traumatic events such as the loss of a friend or facing abuse at school. Parents should respond with belief, support, and in some cases professional help rather than blame or dismissal. Spending time together doing calming activities helps children feel safe. Maintaining routines provides stability during emotional turmoil. Patience, warmth, and expressions of love through words and actions support healing.
Believing children when they disclose abuse provides enormous relief and begins healing for the child. Studies from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network confirm that children who receive early intervention and support experience better long-term outcomes. For younger children, Child-Parent Psychotherapy offers another evidence-based approach. CPP focuses on strengthening caregiver-child relationships while addressing trauma’s effects. Sessions help parents understand trauma responses and support their child’s healing.
According to Kids Health, therapy gives children safe spaces to share feelings and learn coping skills. Therapists help children process experiences, adjust thoughts about trauma, and gradually face previously avoided situations. Parents receive guidance on supporting recovery at home.
The Juvenile Justice System
The primary purpose of the juvenile justice system is rehabilitation and reform and not punishment. The juvenile justice system operates differently from adult criminal courts. For children under 14, including the Cleveland defendants, rehabilitation rather than punishment guides proceedings. The Supreme Court has affirmed that juveniles possess diminished culpability and greater capacity for change than adults. Ohio law, like most states, prohibits transferring children under 14 to adult court regardless of charges. These children will remain in the juvenile system.
Juvenile justice emphasizes addressing the underlying causes of criminal behavior. Social workers assess juveniles’ circumstances, identifying social, economic, and psychological factors contributing to their actions. The goal involves strengthening children and addressing needs rather than simply punishing offenses.
Research demonstrates that early intervention and therapy prove far more effective than incarceration for very young offenders. Rehabilitation programs, counseling, educational interventions, and family therapy offer better outcomes than detention. When confinement becomes necessary, it should last the shortest appropriate period.
Resources for Parents and Community
Parents concerned about their children or seeking guidance have access to numerous resources. The National Child Traumatic Stress Network, established by Congress in 2000, provides comprehensive information about childhood trauma. Their website offers resources for parents, educators, and mental health professionals.
The National Sexual Assault Hotline, operated by RAINN, provides 24/7 confidential support. Parents can call 1-800-656-HOPE for crisis counseling, resources, and referrals. Services are free and available in English and Spanish.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration maintains a national helpline at 1-800-662-HELP. This service connects families to mental health resources and trauma support. The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline (1-800-4-A-CHILD) offers another resource for parents seeking guidance.
Hope and Healing
While the Cleveland case is a stark reminder of the world’s tragedy, recovery remains possible with appropriate support. Children possess remarkable resilience when provided compassionate care, professional intervention, and stable environments.
Research consistently demonstrates that trauma-informed therapy helps children heal. Early intervention reduces long-term impacts and improves outcomes. Children who access timely support often experience significant improvement in functioning and well-being.
Success stories abound of children overcoming severe trauma to lead healthy, productive lives. With dedicated support from families, therapists, and communities, children develop coping skills and process traumatic experiences. The journey requires patience, consistency, and commitment, but healing is achievable.
The victim in the Cleveland case has begun therapy and continues recovering. Her mother hopes she can eventually “be somewhat of a normal 5-year-old again”. While the road ahead presents challenges, comprehensive support offers the best path forward.
Communities play vital roles in children’s recovery. When families, schools, mental health professionals, and community members unite to support victims, children receive the foundation they need to heal. Prevention education, readily available resources, and trauma-informed care create environments where children can recover and thrive.
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