Woman Records Alleged Child Abuse, Shares On Social Media
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GRAND PRAIRIE (CBSDFW.COM) - A night out at a restaurant was anything but a pleasant experience for a woman who said she witnessed a mother abusing her little boy.
"That child was abused. And I needed to be able to show that," said Rachael Bellamy, who recorded the incident on her cell phone. "She took her hands, grabbed the child by the face, squeezed it tight. The child started to cry and some rice came out of his mouth."
Her video prompted a police investigation after she posted it on social media.
"I just keep picturing that sweet baby's face," said Bellamy, who is still disturbed by what she saw.
But her proactive approach of making the video public has some people questioning whether it was the right thing to do.
"We would encourage people not to report crimes, especially in progress in this case, through a social media platform," said Grand Prairie police spokesperson Lyle Gensler. "It kind of could ruin our investigation once we start looking into it."
But Bellamy was outraged by what she saw and despite not wanting to confront the woman, she said she had to record it – and share.
"It's the quickest way to get results and to spread any sort of message or get any kind of help you need," said Bellamy.
Gensler disagrees, advising instead that Good Samaritans call 911.
"The person could disappear. If some sort of device was used in the course of the crime, they could destroy that," said Gensler.
Bellamy is undeterred by people who have questioned her actions. She said if it happens again, she will call police.
"This isn't about shaming the woman. It's about getting help for the child," said Bellamy. "I feel like attention is on the situation."
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