Dave Pelzer, author of the bestselling memoir “A Child Called ‘It:’ One Child’s Courage to Survive,” expressed deep concern over the allegations of child abuse against Kimberly Sullivan, the stepmother from Connecticut. Pelzer described the situation as “attempted murder,” emphasizing the severity of the case and the distressing details surrounding it.
The incident unfolded when Sullivan’s 32-year-old stepson, who weighed just 68 pounds, set a fire at their residence in Waterbury, Connecticut, on February 27 to escape the abusive conditions. This distressing event led to Sullivan’s arrest on March 12. Pelzer, known for his own harrowing experiences of abuse as a child, highlighted the severity of the case, expressing worry about the victim’s physical and mental well-being.
The victim, who had been confined by Sullivan since the age of 11, was discovered emaciated and living in appalling conditions. He revealed to authorities that he had endured a 20-year captivity in a small, windowless storage closet without basic necessities such as medical care or proper sanitation. Despite occasional moments outside the house, the victim was conditioned to believe the abuse he faced was normal, as Pelzer explained based on his own traumatic past.
Sullivan was charged with various offenses, including assault, kidnapping, unlawful restraint, and endangerment. While she was released on bail, the shocking nature of the case prompted discussions about the challenges of identifying and combating long-term abuse.
Pelzer underscored the manipulation tactics often employed by abusive parents to evade detection by authorities, shedding light on the complexities of such situations. The distressing ordeal faced by the victim in this case serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive issue of child abuse that continues to require vigilant attention and intervention from the community and relevant agencies.
Sullivan’s arrest warrant: For mobile users, please click here. The department expressed shock and sadness for the victim and the unimaginable conditions he endured. They commended the adult survivor for their strength and resilience in the healing process, sending heartfelt support their way. The department clarified that there are no existing records of visits to the Sullivan residence, as unfounded reports of neglect and abuse are cleared from their system after five years. Pelzer expressed hope that the victim would receive support from a caring family member due to limited state resources available for adult recovery. Fox News Digital contacted the victim’s sisters and Sullivan’s lawyer for comments. Source: Original article from the author of “A Child Called ‘It,” who labeled the Connecticut house of horrors case as ‘attempted murder’.
