Hiding in Plain Site - The Turpin Family Nightmare - Children Are The Most Vulnerable
Living a Nightmare – The Turpin Siblings
Over the years we have seen many horrific stories of extreme child abuse emerge out of the darkness. The headlines hit us in the face like a ton of bricks. In the moment we react with dismay, disgust and anguish, feeling the depths of pain that countless children have endured living in horrendous situations.
The Turpin Family is no different!
What these children endured for years was cruel and heartbreaking.
David and Louise Turpin - Perris, CA
From the outside looking in they played the part very well. David and Louise would take their 13 children on different outings, dressing them in all similar clothing. People would look at this as a close family embracing life. They even took their kids to a wedding chapel so they could renew their vows, as all of the children looked on in silence.
That is the key that people did not pick up on. Thirteen children very silent playing their parts to perfection because they knew what the consequences would be if they did not comply. They were forced to look on as their parents celebrated the renewal of their marriage. Also, nobody seemed to notice how skinny they all were, and the fact that they were barely fed in public. Didn’t anyone ever think to ask the questions?
There were so many missed signs, and it is difficult to believe that countless people saw them when they were out in public. How could they be missed right? A big family unit all dressed the same, taking trips that obviously cost alot of money, so why are the kids being starved.
The home life!
This home in a very nice California neighborhood was big a great size for such a large family, but what was happening inside was anything BUT nice. The children were starved, and also locked up. They were not allowed to go outside to breathe fresh air or play like normal kids do. They were also profusely abused. Several were chained to their beds, and not allowed to leave their rooms. They were fed very little food and forced to eat their own vomit if they became sick from malnutrion. It became so bad that some of the chidren were too week to even walk. They were apparently homeschooled which really was not happening.
The house was littered with trash and old food. There was band new clothing for the children, but they were forced to stay in old rags that were soiled and dirty. Showers were not allowed and windows could not be opened. As David went to work as an engineer living his daily life like everything was grand, Louise was at home in charge of the madness. Louise felt like she was doing GODS work and it was a calling for her to starve the DEVIL out of them. It came to a point where she was planning on taking the kids far away and chaining them up somewhere in the wilderness leaving them to parish. (mental illness at its worst)
That was when Jordan Turpin planned her escape. She felt that she had to try and save her siblings. She put together a game plan and was successful. She had a cell phone and called 911. Listening to her cry in terror asking for help was devasting to hear and watch. She is a brave hero in this story because she saved her family.
What the police saw in that home was beyond comprehension. The filth, the liter strewn all over, the hoarding and a refrigerator filled with food that only the parents were allowed to eat. They were arrested on several child abuse charges and are currently serving jail time.
You would think to yourself, WOW the nightmare is over, but you are wrong. Several of these children were sent to a foster home where they were repeatedly abused for years to come. How is it possible that these abused children filled with trauma, could be further abused?
The state of California definitely did not do their jobs, and “Childnet” was a big part of that failure. The children spoke up only to be shut down. Workers chalking thier claims up to their trauma, not believing them. They were forced to stay in another horrific situation for a years until Jordan once again came to their rescue. Jordan was placed in the home because she needed a place to stay, and she witnessed first hand what her sibilings were enduring. The state even allowed this family to file for adoption of these kids how insane is that.
Jordan once again blew the whistle, and the children were removed from the home, and the foster father is serving time for sexual abuse on a minor. Disgusting!! Foster parents taking advantage of children, verbally, physically and sexually abusing them.
Imagine what they have to do to try and heal from this life filled with nightmares. Children are supposed to be kept safe with beautiful dreams in their heads as they sleep, but for the Turpin sibilings there may be things that they just cannot get beyond. - The Trauma leaves a lasting scar.
There were hundreds of missed signs right from the beginning. First of all family members, and what about the neighbors never seeing any of the children ever. So many red flags ignored. They went on many outings and nobody asked the questions about the “silent children”. This is outragious to think that NOBODY ever asked, and to take it even futher niether did child protection services. They failed this family 1000 percent.
I am sharing this story as a reminder to everyone to always be aware of your surroundings. Do not be afraid to ask the questions or buck the system. There needs to be accountability.
I want you to think about the children and imagine yourself as that child being abused in such a horrific way, what would be your thoughts. As an abuse survivor I can tell you.
A Child’s View: Do you see me? Please see me, look into my eyes and see the reality of what a nightmare I am living. I am scared, tired and withdrawn. Why do you not see, is it because I am not worth saving? Please save me, I am waiting…
Profound.
Lisa Zarcone - Adult Survivor of Child Abuse - Child & Mental Health Advocate
It is time to break the silence, cycle and STIGMA - Open your eyes and see.
Different articles of The Turpin Family Case
Turpin siblings case: Childnet statement on care
Turpin siblings lawyer: Hundreds of signs missed about abuse in foster care home
