Mother Confronts Alleged Sexual Assault of 9-Year-Old at Boys & Girls Club

A Mother's Alarming Story of Alleged Sexual Assault at a Local Boys and Girls Club

A mother is now speaking out after she claims that a staff member from the Boys and Girls Club of Henderson County sexually assaulted her nine-year-old daughter in a bathroom at the club last Thursday. The incident has sparked concern among parents and community members, as it raises serious questions about the safety and security of children in such programs.

“We send our children to these places trusting they’re going to take care of our kids,” said the mother, who has chosen to remain anonymous to protect her child’s identity. She emphasized how devastating it was for her daughter to experience such a violation, especially in a place meant to be safe and nurturing.

According to the mother, her daughter attended after-school programs and summer activities at the club for four years. It was during one of these sessions that the alleged assault occurred. “My daughter went to a staff member after it happened, visibly upset, and she was told that that person would never do that,” the mother shared. She described how her daughter was pulled into a bathroom by a staff member and inappropriately touched. The girl was held against the wall, leaving her deeply shaken.

The mother expressed pride in her daughter for having the courage to tell her what happened. However, she also voiced frustration over how the situation was handled. “She was told that this person would never do that,” she said, highlighting the lack of immediate action taken by the club staff.

The Hendersonville Police Department confirmed they are investigating the case. In a Facebook post, the department stated, “The Hendersonville Police Department has identified the suspect and is actively investigating the allegation.” Allison Justus, a spokesperson for the City of Hendersonville, added that the police are working closely with the club to ensure a thorough inquiry.

The mother revealed that her daughter shared information about other girls in the program who may have also been affected by the same individual. “I have friends who have kids there that haven’t even been made aware of the situation. From what my daughter has told me, there are other children involved in this,” she said.

This revelation has left many parents questioning the club’s safety protocols and communication practices. The mother is concerned that other families may not know about the allegations, which could put more children at risk.

In response to the incident, the Boys and Girls Club of Henderson County issued a statement through Board President Stephen Gwaltney. The statement emphasized the organization’s commitment to the safety and well-being of its members. “The safety and protection of the young people we serve is always our absolute highest priority,” the statement read. “We take any situation that might impact their well-being very seriously.”

The club referred to the accused individual as a former employee and stated that they are cooperating fully with the authorities. “We are deeply concerned by this information as crimes involving children run counter to everything our mission stands for – no harm should come to any child under any circumstance,” the statement continued.

The club also highlighted its strict policies regarding background checks and supervision. “All employees and volunteers must undergo a thorough criminal background check prior to hire and annually,” the statement said. However, the club declined to provide further details about the former employee’s job title or length of employment, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.

As the investigation continues, the community remains on edge, hoping for transparency and accountability. Parents are urging the club to communicate openly with families and ensure that all necessary steps are taken to prevent future incidents. For now, the focus remains on supporting the victim and ensuring that justice is served.