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Are you a parent or guardian who believes in protecting your child at all costs? Well, you will be shocked to learn about the story of Sophie Long and the alleged child abduction by Father Michael Long. This case is not only disturbing but also raises questions on the safety of children in institutions.

The story of Sophie Long Father Michael Long

Sophie Long was an 11-year-old girl who lived with her mother. She had a good relationship with her father, Michael Long, who was 43 at the time. Michael Long was a Roman Catholic priest in the United States of America. On June 21, 2021, Sophie Long flew to Los Angeles to meet her father. Her mother had given permission for the visit, and Sophie had been looking forward to it.

However, things did not go as planned. Sophie’s mother expected to speak with her daughter every day. However, several days went by without a phone call. Her mother began to worry. She contacted Michael Long, the father, but he did not respond. After a week without Sophie, her mother called Michael Long’s congregation in Boston, and they also could not reach him.

The authorities were called, and an investigation to find Sophie began. After 12 days, the authorities found Sophie in Michael Long’s apartment. Michael Long was arrested for child abduction, and Sophie was returned to her mother.

The charges against Michael Long

Michael Long was charged with one count of child abduction after police found Sophie with him in California. Under the international parental kidnapping crime section of the US code, a person violates the law when they take, or attempt to take, a child out of the United States to obstruct another parent’s lawful exercise of parental rights.

During investigations, police found out that Michael Long had purchased several prepaid cell phones, made one-way plane reservations to Europe and Asia, and had arranged to stay at rental properties. In addition, they discovered more than $8,000 in cash in his home, which seemed like he was getting ready to leave.

Michael Long, through his attorney, has denied the allegations and insists that he had the permission of Sophie’s mother to have Sophie with him, and they just wanted to spend a father-daughter moment.

The implications of Sophie’s case

Overall, the allegations against Michael Long have a far-reaching impact. The case raises questions about the safety of children concerning the practices of religious institutions. Accusations of child abuse and cover-ups by members of the clergy have rocked the Catholic Church for decades. However, what happened to Sophie is not an isolated case.

There has been an increasing number of allegations of sexual and physical abuse of minors involving members of the clergy worldwide. This has led to numerous arrests, convictions, and lawsuits against many religious institutions.

The impact on children

The trauma that Sophie experienced is unimaginable. Children need to feel safe, and it is up to adults to create a protective environment for them. In Sophie’s case, the experience is likely to have lasting effects on her. Children who experience trauma have an increased chance of developing physical and mental health problems in the future.

Parents also need to communicate and ensure that they are all on the same page before making any decisions that could affect their child. While Sophie’s mother believes she gave permission for Sophie to visit her father, she only expected it to last for a short time. Sophie’s extended stay with her father made her mother worry, leading to the subsequent child abduction charges.

The consequences on the family

The impact of the allegations and the subsequent charges can have significant effects on the family and social life of those involved. While it may be a legal matter, it can be emotionally exhausting for not only the child but those around them. For them, the damage is already done, and it’s a case of picking up the pieces.

Conclusion

The case of Sophie Long Father Michael Long highlights the potential dangers of leaving children with those who may not have their best interests at heart. The alleged actions by Michael Long have far-reaching implications on authority figures and institutions that we entrust our children with.

Moving forward, there needs to be more effective guidelines on child protection as well as increased awareness of the risks and dangers of child abduction and abuse. It is up to individuals to identify the warning signs and act accordingly to prevent further harm.

FAQs

Q. How common is child abduction by a parent?

Child abduction by a parent is more common than people think. Statistics show that more than 200,000 children are abducted by a parent annually, with most abductions occurring during custody battles.

Q. What should I do if I suspect child abuse or abduction?

The best way to safeguard children who are vulnerable to abuse and abduction is to be vigilant and report any cases immediately. You should contact law enforcement agencies or a child protective service agency as soon as possible to report any suspicious activities.

Q. What are some of the short and long-term effects of child abduction?

The trauma of child abduction has both short and long-term effects. In the short term, victims may experience shock, fear, and a sense of helplessness. They may also experience anxiety, anger, depression, and PTSD. In the long term, victims may struggle with trust issues and have difficulties adjusting to their daily lives. They may have to work through the trauma for years to come.

Q. How can parents protect their children from abduction?

Parents can protect their children by being aware of potential threats and teaching their children about stranger danger. They can ensure that their children know their full names, addresses, and phone numbers, and teach them how to contact 911. Additionally, parents should be aware of who their children are spending time with and keep an open line of communication with their children about anything that feels uncomfortable or strange.

Q. What should I do if my child is abducted?

If your child gets abducted, your first call should be to law enforcement agencies; this can significantly increase the chances of getting your child back safely. You should also call your child’s school, doctor’s offices, and friends to determine if you can gather any pertinent information. During an abduction, it’s essential to stay calm, document everything you can, and share your child’s information on social media and other relevant platforms.