Group wants Lucas County Prosecutor to better protect child victims of sexual assault

Source: http://www.wtol.com

TOLEDO, Ohio -- A group called Justice for Lucas County Children of Sexual Assault gathered in downtown Toledo on Saturday afternoon to spread their message.

For hours, a half-dozen people stood as one, fighting for those who aren't always able to protect themselves.

"I'm here to protect them and get them the justice they deserve. Not just mine but all of them", said Jeannie Phillips.

She says being part of the protest is personal for her.

"Our daughter didn't get justice because of no physical evidence. The detectives at the SVU team told us that it's all political," said Jeannie.

She says she wants the Lucas County Prosecutors Office to take a closer look at sexual assault cases involving kids.

Especially in those cases where victims are younger than 14 years old.

"I need everyone to know how bad the criminal system is lacking to protect our children and I need to all come together as a community and get that changed," said Jeannie.

Keith Phillips agrees and says something has to change.

He believes kids aren't being put on the stand due to their age which forces these cases to stay open.

While the group outside Fifth Third Field on a sunny Saturday afternoon wasn't very large, Keith and Jeannie say they won't back down.

"There's too many families, and we are going to keep growing and were going to keep building until something is done. So its just a matter of time. We aren't going anywhere," said Keith.

"We've got to come together as a whole community, make some good. I'm not leaving until that happens", said Jeannie.

WTOL reached out to the Lucas County Prosecutors Office and are waiting to hear back on claims from this group.