Sickening images show naked Adelaide boy handcuffed 'as punishment'
FIRST ON 7: A terrified, naked young South Australian boy has his wrists and feet handcuffed together while in his mother's care in sickening photos obtained by 7 News.
The child's distraught grandmother said she felt "helpless" about what to do about the abuse and neglect her three grandchildren suffer.
Graphic images show a terrified five-year-old boy handcuffed and laying naked on the floor.
In another image the same little boy and his older sister are handcuffed together in a lounge room setting.
It is believed the 'abuse' has been happening over the past six years in an Adelaide eastern suburbs home where the mother apparently uses the handcuffs as a threat and punishment.
"I told them if they were naughty, this is what I'll be doing," the mother captioned one image.
After years of reporting alleged abuse and the children's appalling living conditions to Families SA, their grandmother has chosen to speak out and be their voice.
She has told 7 News that she raised the alarm on Sunday but hasn't heard from authorities who said she would be notified if they did a "follow up".
“I know there's been abuse and neglect in the home before but I didn't expect to see something that graphic,” she told 7 News.
“I never wanted my grandchildren taken away from their mother, but all I want them is safe and to keep them safe they need to be taken away from her."
*Families SA must change: dead tot's gran
The woman, who is unable to be identified, said police were also notified of the alleged abuse and did a welfare check to conclude that the children were safe and well.
Seven News can reveal the check was done at 1am when two of the three children were asleep. This after the grandmother waited two hours to speak to someone.
The grandmother says she feels completely helpless and she is unsure of what else she can do.
“I don't know where else to go, I don't know what to do anymore,” she said.
Families SA told 7 News an investigation is underway and the department is addressing the issue directly with the family.
If you or someone you know is suffering from sexual or domestic abuse, don't suffer in silence, call 1800 RESPECT any time of day or night.
