Video of child performing sex acts brings awareness to child abuse during pandemic

GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY, Mich. (WPBN/WGTU) -- Three people are in jail after investigators said they accosted a child.

According to Traverse City Police, a video showing a six-year-old performing sexual acts with a man was posted on Facebook Live on April 10.

Investigators were made aware of the video after an acquaintance saw the video.

The child involved has been placed with family through Child Protective Services.

Both Traverse City police and Child and Family Services said child abuse is still happening during the pandemic but reports to CPS have been down because kids are not seeing mandated reporters as much.

"Teachers do a great job. They know their kids. They can see changes in behavior and they can see injuries and that's a good way to keep track of kids too you know we don't have that right now," said Traverse City Police Captain Jim Bussell.

"Keep an eye on the kids in your neighborhood, see how things are going from a distance but you have a feeling that something might not be right it doesn't hurt to call and make a referral all you need is a suspicion of abuse or neglect to make a referral and then CPS will go from there," said Melissa Ryba, the Marketing and Development Specialist with Child and Family Services.

If you have a suspicion of abuse or neglect, you are asked to contact authorities.

Child and Family Services is also offering telehealth counseling for families who are struggling.