Sylvia Likens: The Case That Changed Child Protection
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Sylvia Likens: The Case That Changed Child Protection
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About this listen
This video tells the heartbreaking and important story of 16-year-old Sylvia Likens — a case that shocked the nation and became one of the most disturbing child abuse tragedies in American history. We break down who Sylvia was, how she and her sister ended up in the Baniszewski home, and the months of abuse that went unnoticed until it was too late.
Sylvia’s death in 1965 forced America to confront the dangers of silence and the failure of adults and bystanders to protect a vulnerable child. Her case sparked national outrage, fueled support for stronger child-protection laws, and helped push forward mandatory reporting requirements still used today.
In this video, we look at what happened inside the Baniszewski home, the warning signs that were ignored, the investigation that followed, and why Sylvia’s story continues to be studied in social work, psychology, and true-crime fields. Her tragedy remains a powerful reminder that speaking up can save a life — and that child protection is everyone’s responsibility.