Cincinnati, Ohio - Life was unbearable for three siblings ages 11, 9, and 8. Their family had failed them in one of their most fundamental responsibilities: protection. According to police, the children were tied to their beds at times for periods lasting weeks. The two older girls were also molested multiple times by their stepfather. Their younger brother was physically abused by him. Sadly, both their mother and grandmother participated in the physical abuse, but it is not clear if they were complicit in the sexual abuse.

The children's liberation from that situation came after one of the girls reached out to an instructor via a distressed e-mail. Police were called in and arrived at the house making the discovery. Both mother, stepfather, and grandmother have been arrested and are in police custody until they are able to post bail.

As for the children, they are now in foster care with what law enforcement officers have described as a nurturing family. The children were enrolled in what is known as a "virtual academy" which is essentially public school at home. Course work is done online and students periodically interact with their instructor via e-mail and online chats. One of the children e-mailed her teacher explaining that they were being tied to their beds and asked that 911 be involved.

Source:
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/email-leads-ohio-child-abuse-arrests-22483054