Military Families Confront Day Care Abuse at Yuma Base
In a distressing series of events, military families stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, uncovered a pattern of abuse at a child development center, leaving them grappling with the aftermath. The incidents, which date back to late 2020 and early 2021, have led to court cases and a quest for accountability.
Parents started to realize the severity of the situation when police officers arrived at their homes, seeking to check on their children following evidence from surveillance footage. The videos, later shared with Military.com, depict alarming instances of child abuse and neglect, leading to legal action against two of the day care workers involved.
Military families have since filed a federal tort claim, alleging that the Department of the Navy, which oversees the Marine Corps, failed to prevent the abuse. Despite repeated denials from government defense attorneys, the families continue their pursuit of justice.
“If we don’t speak up or try to make some noise about it, these children are going to continue to be abused and they’re going to be silenced,” said Mariah Wilson, a former Marine sergeant and one of the affected parents.
In response to the incidents, Marine Corps Air Station Yuma has updated policies at its child development center, including more frequent reviews of surveillance footage and enhanced vetting and training of child care workers, according to base spokesperson Capt. Owen VanWyck.
Unfolding the Story
David Crosby, a retired Marine master sergeant, recalls the moment he learned of the abuse involving his nearly two-year-old son. A police officer’s visit to his home and the subsequent viewing of footage revealed the harsh reality of their trusted day care. “I felt really betrayed,” Crosby said, emphasizing the erosion of trust.
The legal journey for these families is complicated by the challenges in accessing evidence, often requiring the lengthy Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) process. The base’s previous commanding officer, Col. Charles Dudik, issued letters inviting parents to open-house events aimed at providing information, but parents like Wilson found them lacking in substance.
Trauma’s Lingering Impact
For many parents, the aftermath of the abuse extends beyond legal battles. The Crosby family, for instance, noticed significant behavioral changes in their son, linking them to the trauma experienced at the day care. Expert pediatricians emphasize the critical impact of early experiences on children’s development, suggesting that recovery is possible with the right support.
Military families are now entering the discovery phase of their legal claim, gathering evidence to support their case. “They recognize that there is a need for there to be reforms and changes and oversight and transparency and accountability,” said Glen Sturtevant, the families’ attorney.
As these families continue their fight, they hope for a future where military child care centers are safer and more transparent. The journey is long, but their resolve remains strong.
