Alleged child abuse incident sheds light on growing problem

NORTHEAST WISCONSIN(WFRV) - A Manitowoc woman is being investigated after she allegedly assaulted her son ,5, who has Down Syndrome.

Ruthann Grieserreportedly made her son sit in scalding hot water and then took him to the emergency room. She told police she was upset with her son. The boy has been taken to Children's Hospital in Milwaukee where he is recovering from his injuries.

This case brings to light the growing problem of child abuse and neglect in northeast Wisconsin. In Brown County alone, reported cases are at a five-time high. But there are places parents can turn for help.

Jennifer Bastien is a busy mom.

"It's crazy," she exclaimed. "It's absolutely crazy."

She has twin two-month old daughters and a two-year old son with Down Syndrome.

"He surprises us everyday," said Jennifer. "He is stronger than me and my husband combined. He's a strong little boy."

Juggling doctor's appointments, speech and physical therapy classes and play time, Jennifer admits she often feels overwhelmed.

"It just gets too emotional, too frustrating," she explained. "You have to take that moment for yourself. You really have to."

But some parents do have trouble coping with the stress. That's where Family and Childcare Resources of N.E.W. comes in.

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Alleged child abuse incident sheds light on growing problem