“I realized it was all wrong. It wasn’t a live baby.”

Note: This post contains mentions of child abuse, domestic violence, substance use, and murder.

"The parents still didn't come home! It was SIX days when they finally came home! My parents had to get a lawyer to send a letter so they would pay me, but they wanted to charge me for the mattress and damage to the wall."

"Thankfully, the father eventually left with full custody of the children. I've had to testify in multiple custody disputes, and I'd do it again in a heartbeat to keep those kids safe." 

"After my heart slowed, I returned the doll to the crib and left the room. The parents came home, paid me, and I said absolutely nothing. Grief is already difficult."

If you are concerned that a child is experiencing or may be in danger of abuse, you can call or text the National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453 (4.A.CHILD); service can be provided in over 140 languages.

If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-799-7233.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, you can call SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

Note: Responses have been edited for length/clarity.