A woman who became known nationwide as ‘The Girl in the Closet’ after she told her story of the sexual and physical abuse she endured inside a home in Dallas County is now facing charges herself for sexual assault, according to police.
What to Know
- The Lewisville PD released a statement saying they received a tip this week that a 14-year-old girl had been sexually assaulted
- Detectives interviewed the victim and her parents, who said the girl met Kavanaugh on a Facebook page Kavanaugh had set-up.
- Kavanaugh gained national attention in 2001 when she was rescued from a mobile home in Hutchins where she endured years of abuse.
A woman who became known nationwide as 'The Girl in the Closet' after she told her story of the sexual and physical abuse she endured inside a home in Dallas County is now facing charges herself for sexual assault, according to police.
The Lewisville Police Department released a statement Wednesday saying they received a tip this week that a 14-year-old girl had been sexually assaulted by a suspect who was identified as Lauren Kavanaugh.
Detectives interviewed the victim and her parents, who said the girl met Kavanaugh on a Facebook page Kavanaugh had set-up as a way to reach out to victims of abuse and offer support or comfort, said police.
The victim and Kavanaugh allegedly entered into a relationship, and the victim's parents told detectives Kavanaugh was living with them.
Detectives said they interviewed Kavanaugh, who admitted to a sexual relationship with the 14-year-old.
Kavanaugh gained national attention in 2001 when she was rescued from a mobile home in Hutchins where she endured years of sexual and physical abuse at the hands of her mother and stepfather.
A neighbor tipped off authorities to the abuse.
A counselor who works with victims of sexual abuse says there is a correlation between being a victim and becoming an abuser, in some cases.
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“Sometimes we see for victims of abuse, they go on and have difficulty with relationships or unhealthy relationships because they don't know how to have healthy relationships,” said Rebekah Mullins, a licensed professional counselor intern at The Counseling Place in Richardson.
In a 2013 interview with the Dallas Morning News, Lauren Kavanaugh discussed her story -- one of extreme sexual, physical and emotional abuse -- and how it still haunts her.
“She was supposed to be my mother, and she treated me like crap.” Said Kavanaugh at the time. Now, she is charged with sexually abusing a 14 year old girl she met online.
Kavanaugh is being held in the Denton County Jail on a Sexual Assault of a Child charge. Her bail was set at $10,000.
Lewisville Police say there could be more victims and are encouraging parents to talk with their children to see if they could have had contact with Kavanaugh through Facebook.
If you believe you or your child could have been a victim, contact Lewisville Police.
