“It Hurts When I Sit Down” — Teacher Calls Police After Hearing This from a 6-Year-Old Girl
In a heartbreaking incident that has stunned a quiet elementary school community in Albuquerque, New Mexico, a seasoned first-grade teacher followed her instincts and called the police after a six-year-old girl quietly whispered something that sent chills down her spine: “It hurts when I sit down.”
What began as a routine Monday morning quickly turned into a moment of courage and compassion. Mrs. Eleanor James, a 28-year veteran teacher at Roosevelt Elementary, was helping students settle into their reading assignments when she noticed one of her students, Sofia (name changed for privacy), wincing in discomfort every time she sat.
“I asked her if she was okay,” Mrs. James recalled. “She hesitated, then whispered, ‘It hurts when I sit down.’ The way she said it — so soft, so scared — something in my gut told me this wasn’t just a scrape from the playground.”
Mrs. James immediately informed the school counselor, who conducted a brief and gentle conversation with the child in a private setting. What Sofia revealed next led the school to take swift and serious action.
“She mentioned that someone at home would ‘get angry’ and ‘use the belt’ when she was bad,” the counselor reported. “Her tone was one of fear, not confusion. She understood what was happening to her, and that’s what was most disturbing.”
Following district protocol, the school administration contacted Child Protective Services and local authorities. Within the hour, officers from the Albuquerque Police Department arrived on campus to begin a preliminary investigation.
According to official reports, Sofia was taken to a medical facility specializing in child trauma cases. There, doctors confirmed signs of physical abuse, including bruises and welts consistent with repeated strikes from a belt or similar object. She was placed under the care of emergency foster services the same day.
Police arrested Sofia’s stepfather, 34-year-old Marco Velasquez, later that evening. According to the criminal complaint, Velasquez confessed to “disciplining” the child with a belt but denied intending to harm her. He is currently facing multiple charges, including felony child abuse and endangerment.
“This is not discipline. This is abuse,” said Officer Tanya Morales, one of the lead investigators on the case. “No child should be afraid to go home. No child should be in pain just from sitting in a chair.”
The incident has prompted a wave of emotions across the community. Many parents have praised the school staff for acting quickly and protecting the child. A candlelight vigil was held outside the school two days later, with teachers, students, and parents gathering to show solidarity for Sofia and other victims of abuse.
“She’s incredibly brave,” said Mrs. James, holding back tears. “That little girl trusted me with her pain. And I’m proud we listened.”
Roosevelt Elementary has since increased its efforts to train staff in recognizing signs of abuse and neglect. School officials are also working with local nonprofits to provide counseling for students affected by the news.
As for Sofia, officials say she is receiving emotional support, medical care, and — most importantly — a safe place to recover.
“We can’t undo what she’s experienced,” said CPS caseworker Leah Martinez, “but we can make sure she knows she’s not alone, and that she’s safe now.”
This painful but important story serves as a reminder that sometimes the smallest voices carry the loudest cries for help — and it takes just one adult listening to make a difference.
