TOLEDO, Ohio — A group gathered on Thursday in front of the Lucas County Common Pleas Courthouse demanding justice for kids that have been sexually assaulted.
The crowd gathered to ask the Lucas County prosecutor's office to look closely at sexual assault cases involving young children.
WTOL spoke with people protesting about how the courts have handled cases involving sexually assaulted kids. They say the prosecutor's office hasn't taken them seriously.
Protester Alaya Jackson says something has to change and believes kids aren't being put on the witness stand because they're "too young," therefore cases aren't being closed.
One of the groups present was the Justice for Lucas County Children of Sexual Assault.
"I'm here to protect them and get them the justice they deserve," said Jeannie Phillips from Justice for Lucas County Children of Sexual Assault.
"I need everyone to know how bad the criminal system is lacking to protect our children and I need us all to come together as a community and get that changed," said Phillips.
Families of 13 different sexual assault survivors showed up to get behind the groups.
"There's too many families and we are going to keep growing and we're going to keep building until something is done so it's just a matter of time, we aren't going anywhere," said protester Keith Phillips.
There are options available for victims and there families in northwest Ohio including the Family and Child Abuse Prevention Center.
"We have programming for children, we have trauma focused cognitive behavorial therapy, we have a children who witness violence program, and both of those programs are absolutely free and you don't have to have insurance," said Dr. Christie Jenkins, CEO of the Family and Child Abuse Prevention Center.
The Lucas County prosecutor's office gave the following statement:
"We fully support a person's right to peaceful assembly and protest. Every case that is screened and considered for presentation to a grand jury is thoroughly vetted. A plethora of factors must be taken into account when charging decisions are made. Accountability and justice are paramount in our commitment to safeguarding every citizen in Lucas County."
Lucas County Children Services says many people ask if calling them is the right thing to do. They say don't hesitate, call if you're concerned about a child's well-being.
However, LCCS says it responds to family problems only when they create unsafe conditions that can lead to potential child abuse or neglect. For example, accessible loaded or unsecured weapons and drug use or domestic abuse in the presence of a child would all prompt an investigation.
For calls not posing a risk to children, LCCS will refer to other resources such as United Way of Greater Toledo.
If you have concerns about abuse or neglect, you can speak with a caseworker anonymously by calling 419-213-CARE.
For affected children outside of Lucas County, call 1-800-4-A-CHILD.
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