My question involves child abuse or neglect in the State of: TN
My son's father was arrested in Sumner County for Domestic Assault. At a gas station he slapped our 10 yr old son in the face twice (hard enough to bust his lip really good then hit him multiple times in the arms and legs. There were 911 calls and a witness whom the police interviewed.
I brought my son home. We live in Davidson County. He vomited and developed 3 medium size bruises on his leg. Dr. advised me to take him to Children's hospital. Thank God no further injuries. Hospital took photos of lip and new bruises. Dr. notified Dept of Children's Services (DCS) in Davidson County.
Sumner County says they will amend the charge to child abuse if I like, but either way it is a misdemeanor. Sumner County has jurisdiction bc crime occurred there.
DCS in Davidson County (no jurisdiction but child lives here) is investigating this incident, father's long history (and current) abuse of alcohol and marijuana---(NO use of meth), and son's complaints of frequently being hit in face, head, thrown on floor. DCS case worker says she is sure that this is felony child abuse but not sure how this works.
How does the law work? Certainly this is not some little misdemeanor to beat up your kid and walk away like that? He's less than 1/3 his Dad's size and Dad says he had it coming (he accidentally rolled the window up on Dad's finger).
Thanks!

