Adrian, MI – Representative Bronna Kahle testified before the House Families, Children and Seniors Committee in support of her plan enhancing criminal penalties for perpetrators convicted of abusing vulnerable children, especially those who are nonverbal.
Kahle began working on the legislation after an abuse case at a local autism facility revealed deficiencies in Michigan’s law.
“My heart absolutely breaks for the nonverbal, autistic children in this tragic case who were unable to speak up about the physical abuse they endured,” Kahle said. “The reality is our current laws prevented proper justice from being served for these kids – and that’s unacceptable. We can and must do better. That’s why I am spearheading efforts to better protect our states’ most vulnerable and prevent situations like this from happening again.”
Kahle’s plan would strengthen the criminal penalties of second-, third- and fourth-degree child abuse for those who are convicted of abusing a child that is found to be vulnerable. Anyone under 18 with a developmental or physical disability, mental illness or is nonverbal because of a developmental disability would qualify as a vulnerable child under the measure.
Megan and Brandon VanEtten, the parents of one of the child victims in the Adrian case, joined Kahle in testimony to recount the abuse that occurred and advocate for harsher penalties for those who abuse vulnerable children.
“Our driving force through living this nightmare was to make important and positive change for our child and other families like ours,” the VanEtten family said. “On the day our son’s abusers were sentenced, we promised ourselves – in front of a packed courtroom and the community – we would work tirelessly to have Michigan law corrected to better protect vulnerable children. Our prayer is that with your help that promise will be fulfilled.”
Lenawee County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Angie Borders, the prosecutor in the Adrian child abuse case, has worked closely with Kahle in crafting the legislation. In her testimony, Borders said the legislation is absolutely necessary and will help bring justice for future victims of abuse.
“All children need protection under the law. However, vulnerable children are more susceptible to being victimized,” Borders said. “Vulnerable children, especially those who are non-verbal, are often unable to report their abuse or articulate what occurred to them. Their unique attributes can be frustrating for untrained caregivers and the trauma they experience can never be treated through a therapeutic process. That means their trauma stays with them. This proposed legislation will better protect those most delicate in our communities.”
Here’s the story from WLEN News following a sentencing in the Adrian case.
Michigan law provides enhanced criminal penalties for committing crimes against vulnerable adults, but lacks enhanced criminal penalties for those that commit abuse against vulnerable children. Kahle said her legislation will help bridge the gap that currently exists between the two vulnerable populations.
House Bill 4783 remains in the House Families, Children and Seniors Committee for further consideration.
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*Media courtesy of the Office of State Representative Bronna Kahle*