Authorities found Elizabeth Thomas, the Tennessee teenager who went missing for almost six weeks after the supposed abduction by her former teacher. Now, more information surfaced prior to her disappearance, specifically the abuse she endured from her mother.
Police found Thomas with her former teacher, Tad Cummins. Aside from the issue regarding the abduction, new information surfaced, specifically about the teen's mother.
Elizabeth's father, Anthony Thomas, filed a restraining order against the teen's mother, Kimberly Thomas, and a judge just granted it. Kimberly can no longer talk to Anthony, Elizabeth and their three other minor children. She also cannot talk about Elizabeth to the media.
Reports claimed Elizabeth and her siblings endured months of abuse from their mother. Kimberly reportedly hit her kids until they bled, knocked a daughter unconscious and threw a chair at another child, among other claims.
As for the abuse that Elizabeth received from her, the mother reportedly banked the head of the teen on a washer and threw her down the basement and locked her there. Kimberly received five counts of abuse and neglect involving several of her kids with Anthony.
Meanwhile, Elizabeth returned home and his father said her 50-year-old teacher, Tad Cummins, brainwashed the teen to make her go with him. Authorities charged Cummins with bringing a minor across state lines for sex and state charges for aggravated kidnapping and sexual contact with a minor.
The attorney for Cummins said Elizabeth went with him willingly. Anthony countered Cummins groomed Elizabeth then enticed her to run away with him.
As per the school records, it showed that Elizabeth always relied on Cummins like he is her counselor. Relatives of Elizabeth claimed Cummins knew of the abuse she suffered from her mother and he preyed on that information, San Francisco Chronicle shared.
There are many forms of abuse and these include emotional, physical and neglect. Most of the victims of abuse tend to have difficulties in relationships and lack trust while others feel worthless or damaged. Another warning sign of an abused child is having troubles assessing and regulating emotions in a safe matter, Help Guide reported.
The hotline for child abuse in the United States or Canada is 1-800-422-4453. In the U.K. it's 0800 1111 and in Australia, one can call 1800 688 009.
