SPENCER, Ind. -- Shaylyn Ammerman's case -- as horrific as it is can help shine a light on child abuse and neglect in Indiana.
Prevent Child Abuse-Indiana would not comment on the specifics in the Shaylyn Ammerman case.
PREVIOUS | Visitation, funeral information for Shaylyn Ammerman
However, spokesperson Sandy Runkle stresses the fact that people need to think seriously about who they allow to be around their children, especially very young children.
Young children can't communicate their fears and their concerns.
The responsibility is on the parents to make sure -- whether it be a friend, family member, boyfriend, girlfriend, neighbor -- whoever that you vet those people before they have access to your children.
In Shaylyn's case, the father was sleeping and mom wasn't in the home when the alleged rape and murder happened.
According to court documents, suspect Kyle Parker had a history of drinking.
Shaylyn's case is just one.
Every year, the Indiana Department of Child Services' Child Abuse and Neglect hotline receives roughly 200,000 reports.
If you suspect abuse or neglect, call 1-800-555-5556.
-----
Sign up to have the latest news headlines delivered straight to your email inbox
