“Trauma affects the growing developing brain of the child, so the brain grows according to experiences,” When children have a steady diet of harm and danger, we’re going to anticipate a much more dire outcome.”~Barbara Rila

Sexual assault charges have been dropped against “The Girl in the Closet”, Lauren Kavanaugh who was tortured, starved, and abused in her family’s 4-by-8-foot closet in the family’s trailer in Hutchins, Texas since she was two years old.

The Lewisville Police Department later arrested Lauren on three sexual abuse charges stemming from a report that she sexually assaulted a 14 year old at a motel. Lauren was deemed incompetent to stand trial and was put into a facility to regain competency. Doctors were able to deem Laure competent, but said that competancy would be “fleeting”. Controversary surrounds whether or not forensic science is actually a science at all. More on how that works later.

Jamie Beck, Denton County assistant district attorney says, ‘It was the right thing to do’. Beck said she could not divulge all the reasons why the case was dismissed, but said part of the reason had to do with Kavanaugh undergoing treatment. “We were able to secure a treatment facility; we worked with a lot of resources.”

Greg Westfall, a criminal defense attorney in Fort Worth, said in 2019 that the case against Lauren should be dismissed and counseling for Kavanaugh was more appropriate than a prison sentence.“Her emotional level is probably on par with that 14-year-old girl,” Westfall told the Star-Telegram in 2019. “She was not socialized from the time she was 2 to 8 — she was in a closet.”

Barbara Rila, the psychologist that spoke with Laura Kavanaugh after she was rescued at eight years old said the intense trauma that Laura suffered likely impacted her development and mental state. She agreed the lack of socialization Laura received when she was young stunted her ability to understand age-appropriate relationships.

Minding Hearts is building advocacy and peer support groups in each state.  The groups are created to raise awareness, educate, and advocate for those that might not otherwise be heard. We are here for encouragement, education, and support. We cannot give legal advice, but we can try and direct you in the right direction with your case. Links to legal services are listed with their states. Please share and let’s grow our groups. We are here to support families and develop resources that maintain family integrity. We look forward to your support. If you would rather become active by donating, then visit the donation page.