'House of Horror': Parents in Australia's Sydney arrested for 'torturing' their 14 kids

In Australia, fourteen siblings, including a few months’ baby, were rescued from what has been described in reports as a ‘house of horrors,’ as their parents face allegations of subjecting them to abuse, torture, and confinement. These children were taken from their house near Sydney because two of the older sisters, who are teenagers, secretly recorded their parents being mean to them and sent a message to their school asking for help. The kids, boys and girls, were between a few months old and 19 years old. They say their parents gave them bad food, hit them, and never let them leave the house. They couldn’t go to school, use phones or computers, read books, or go on the internet. The police also say that they had to fight for toilet paper, and their clothes were dirty and didn’t fit. Only the two oldest children could leave the house to go to prayers, and the youngest only went to a nearby park sometimes. Now, the parents are in trouble with the law and can’t see their kids. One of the 18-year-old sisters said her parents locked her up when she asked too many questions. She said they couldn’t talk without permission and couldn’t have friends or a normal life. The older girls had to take care of the younger ones every day and do chores and study religion. Their mum became a Muslim when she was older and would tell their dad when they did something “bad,” and then he would hurt them. One sister said her dad got her a cat and then hurt it in front of her as punishment. Another sister said their parents were mean to them, and she always wanted to make them happy. The older sisters decided to do something when they saw their younger brother struggling with his mental health. They were afraid the bad treatment would make him really sick or make him want to die. They secretly used their iPads to learn about child abuse and what parents are allowed to do. They also took pictures of their brothers and sisters being hurt. When one of their brothers was being hurt, one of the older sisters sent an email to their school to ask for help. The oldest sister was scared but also hopeful when she saw the police come to their home. She tried to comfort her younger sister when their mom was taken away by the police. One of the girls said talking to the police and telling them what happened was the best part because it meant they could finally tell the truth in a safe place. The main police officer said their top priority was to talk to each child and make sure they were safe. One female police officer who arrived first still keeps in touch with the family and had to tell the children that their parents wouldn’t be coming home. The kids had to learn basic things like how to buy groceries and handle money. The detectives worked hard to keep the family together, and the older sisters took care of the younger ones. A few months after they were rescued, all the children started going to school like normal. The older sisters take care of their 12 younger brothers and sisters, do house chores, take them to school, and make sure they go to the doctor. The police officers said they wanted the older sisters to get some help and time for themselves so they could follow their dreams. The police commissioner was proud of the officers who helped and how they keep supporting the family.