Justina Harassed while Showering

May 4, 2014 permalink

The family of Justina Pelletier complains that a staffer approached her while she was showering and ripped away the curtain. Earlier articles: [1] [2] [3] [4]. Expand for the text report, there is also a video (mp4).

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Family: Justina Pelletier harassed by staffer while taking shower

Custody battle continues for Connecticut family

John Atwater By John Atwater, UPDATED 6:38 AM EDT May 03, 2014

BOSTON —The parents of a Connecticut teenager caught in a high profile custody battle in Massachusetts called police during a meeting with their daughter Friday.

Pelletier is currently staying at a Department of Children and Families facility in Framingham and is allowed weekly visits with her family at a DCF office in Dorchester.

Her family said she told them about an incident that allegedly happened at the facility.

"My sister expressed that she was in the shower and she was harassed while she was naked taking a shower by a staff member that didn't even have privileges to be in the area of Justina's bathroom," said Justina's sister, Jennifer.

"We strongly deny any allegations of abuse and believe that any third party review of our care would support this position," said a spokeswoman for the agency providing Pelletier's care.

After hearing the allegations the family said they called police. Several officers responded to the office and family said they are interviewing Justina.

"I'm numb right now. I'm trying to stay strong, but it's not easy. It's absolutely disgusting," said her mother, Linda.

Family said Justina was taken back to the Framingham facility, where she has been kept despite their objections.

"DCF's primary goal has always been the health and wellbeing of Justina," said a spokeswoman for the Department of Children and Families. "Today's visit with the family took place as scheduled, and we continue to work to with all parties to find a solution that will allow her to return to Connecticut."

Source: WCVB Boston