To think this should be a police matter?

[movinonup]

Have had many issues with my XH stepson (18) and his inappropriate behaviour towards my DC. (DS is 6, DD is 8)
Including letting them watch Krampus (15 cert movie in which a creature terrorises kids on Christmas Eve if they are on the naughty list) and then telling DS that he was on the naughty list.
Asking them if they like clowns, when they replied that they did he said 'You won't after this) then showed them the trailer for IT.

There have been other issues but these were the worst two.

My solicitor had addressed these issues in a letter and asked that the step-son was no longer left with the DC unsupervised.

My DC were left alone with both his step children (18 & 14) at the weekend and my 6 year old boy was chased, restrained and had duck tape put across his mouth and his arms taped together behind his back!

Social services have been informed and I have a meeting scheduled with my solicitor to discuss a court order to make sure my DC are never left alone with them again! Both my children say that they want to see their Dad but not the step-children.

So, That's the backstory. My question is should this actually be considered a police matter as the step-son is 18 and an adult? What would he be charged with if so?

The stepson sounds abusive and intervention is definitely needed. I'm so sorry for your young DC, OP.

Yes you should definitely ring 101 (police non-emergency number) and report both children.
10 years old is the age of criminal responsibility so both would be spoken to (or interviewed) by police. The 18 year old would be treated like an adult.
But before you ring you need to understand that to make a complaint of assault you would need to let the police statement your son ( this would probably be via video interview) and you would need to agree that your son could attend court. This probably wouldn't happen but it's a possibility so you must think of a court case as the end game of you reporting this.
I hope your son is ok and has no injuries. He must of been terrified.

Fuck that.

I would have phoned the police within minutes of my child telling me something like that.

Minutes. Not days later.

Is definitely be reporting to the police, the step children are out of control and dangerous! Personally I'd push for assault charges too - totally outrageous if your ex too - how fucking dare he laugh st a child in distress - he needs a sharp word or more from the police too

easy there @Joanna57 I only just discovered today that he had turned 18 and therefore legally an adult! When I was under the impression that they were both under 18 I was advised that social work was the first port of call for reporting!

Reported this thread, pretty sure I've read it word for word before.

Seriously, those (older) kids sound disturded. Under no circumstances would I be sending my children back there, and yes to informing the police.

@Olddear Yes I think they sound disturbed too! Very much so!

@lovelilies I can assure you that I have never posted about any of this before.

@movinonup - there's always one troll hunter in every thread lol.

@Uniquack seems to be a lot more of them these days.

If I posted here saying "my Husband has chased me, held me down, put duct tape over my mouth and tied my hands behind my back. Should I call the Police?" it would be a unanimous "yes, you've been assaulted, call them!"
We are talking about an adult assaulting a defenceless child, why shouldn't that be referred to the Police? The 14 year old should also he spoken to by the Police about their involvement as they are over the age of criminal responsibility.

Apologies if that's the case OP.

This is child abuse. Report it to the police. What if the 18 year old got someone pregnant

I have to wonder what the step children’s dad is like to make them think it’s ok to behave like that. Perhaps they are also victims of abuse. It might be worth the social worker checking, but your main concern is your children. I assume social service will back you in stopping contact. If XH insists on contact, he can apply to a supervised contact centre.

naccc.org.uk/find-a-centre

www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/Geo5/23-24/12

Sec 1 of the children's and young person's act 1933.
This is child abuse and domestic abuse.

I've wondered that myself @Notevilstepmother :( My children never mention anything about the step-childrens Father or any of their family and I don't want to fish for info, But I have considered it as a possibility.

Social services haven't said anything regarding contact but Headmistress as named person for the children has advised no contact as has my solicitor.

Thanks @Buster72 that's really helpful.

movin

Fair enough......but you didn't mention that fact, till I posted what I did.

@Joanna57 You're right I didn't, But trying to make an already distraught person feel worse? Did that make you feel good?

Good luck with the police, I'm sure they will take it extremely seriously

Report the 14 year old too. At the age of 14 they can lso be criminally responsible.

*also

Have you contacted the police now?

When you phone the police, tell them you want to pursue a prosecution. This is classed as “Child cruelty and neglect” and is used for anything like this under the grievous bodily harm level where a child is the victim, so is a more serious charge than common assault or ABH. The cops will be very gentle with your boy and they will probably even have an enhanced victim service with help for you and your boy.