A few weeks ago, we reported on the story of two sisters, one of them a pregnant 12-year-old, who were missing with their adoptive father. Well, time reveals most mysteries, and this one has become a bit clearer.
The father of the two girls, Mathew Hess, has been charged with indecent liberties with a child, first-degree rape and felony incest between near relatives.The father has already been charged with child neglect and two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. The other disturbing part of the case is that no one knows who the father of the unborn baby is. No one is stating that the adopted father of the girls is also the father of the baby, but no one has denied that he is the father and his charges imply that he might be suspected. The baby is due any day now, as the 12-year old was nine months pregnant when the girls disappeared.
This incident, which is alarming and disturbing, brings forth at least one major question: Why were these little girls not being protected and how was this man allowed to adopt them? There should be an investigation to find out if there was evidence before the fact that this man might harm the children. Child protective services should be held accountable.
Dr. Towanna Freeman, a well-known advocate for young women, had a great deal to say about this case and how we can protect our children. Here is some of what she had to say when it comes to protecting your children from sexual predators:
1. Have open discussion about what is healthy sexual behavior and what is abusive sexual behavior.
2. Let children know they can come to you if they are not comfortable being around a particular adult or older child.
She has more tips for protecting your children, you can read them by clicking here.
Even beyond this case, our entire nation needs to be held accountable when it comes to the protecting our children. The murder of Derrion Albert, along with problems in the school system, remind us that our kids are not safe if we do not keep them that way.
Dr. Boyce Watkins is a professor at Syracuse University, the 2007 Black Speaker of the Year and author of the forthcoming book 'Black American Money.' To have Dr. Boyce's commentary delivered to your e-mail, please click here.
Comments: (28)
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By: Mocha on 10/09/2009 3:25PM
That is not nice.
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By: Sheba28 on 10/09/2009 3:56PM
@YouBLACKS
Your comment is very ignorant.....
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By: tsmithausberry on 10/15/2009 3:47AM
Excuse me???? U Blacks???????
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By: Ray on 10/09/2009 3:56PM
Hey there 'YouBLACKS'....guess what? the father(adoptive) of these girls, mathew hess, is white....DOH!
you idiot!!
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By: S White on 10/09/2009 4:06PM
Correction....the adoptive father was White, typical backyard bubba!
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By: ..... on 10/09/2009 4:23PM
@ youblacks
u must feel really stupid right now!lmbao!
ur rant makes u sound like the product of rape and incest. smh.
this is my first time posting here. r there always racists posting? is this site blk owned? i dont like the other sites about us that r not by us.
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By: mpscott on 10/09/2009 6:27PM
If you would notice, the adoptive father is WHITE.What kind of sick demented things go on in white families that he thinks this is what he should do to innocent children he was supposed to love and protect.
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By: JenG on 10/09/2009 6:56PM
This show how moms of little girls need to be more careful about who are allowed around their daughters. It is our responsibility as a parent to protect our kids. And this goes for our sons as well! I understand that moms and dads want companionship, but not at the cost of our children. Do a background check if necessary!
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By: Helen Thomas on 10/09/2009 7:56PM
And this is what happens when we continue to fuel the 'hot black 'ho' image by posing on magazines and playing parts in movies that glorify black women as sexual objects.
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By: Helen Thomas on 10/09/2009 8:03PM
You have my pity.
That you so twisted in your thinking.
The LORD commands that we pray for those who revile us.
You are in my prayers, that the LORD HIMSELF touches your heart and heals you.
Sad, sad, sad.....
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