Couple accused of kicking, slapping their children

ST JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. -- A husband and wife have been arrested following an investigation by the Special Victim's Unit concerning alleged abuse to their children, according to the probable cause affidavit.

The husband and wife are each charged with one count of battery resulting in bodily injury to a person less than 14-years-of-age.

On December 1, an 8-year-old girl went to her school counselor and said her mother had kicked her that morning while she was getting ready for school. She told the counselor she "couldn't take it anymore" reports said.

The incident was witnessed by the child's grandmother, reports said.

An investigation was opened after the girl reported the abuse, reports said.

Investigators spoke with the 8-year-old and other children in the home.

One of the other children said her father slapped her so hard he left a handprint on her cheek, reports said.

The father spoke with investigators and told them his wife is physically abusive and "goes too far" when disciplining the children.

The mother admitted to kicking the girl, according to the probable cause affidavit.

She also allegedly admitted to holding a butcher knife close to another child and threatened to cut her if she didn't behave.

The husband and wife were arrested on Friday.

ABC57 is withholding the names of the parents so the children are not identified.