Witnesses Turn In Mom for Child Abuse

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - 22 year-old Nichole Renee Black was released on $7,500 bond in Bartlett Friday after witnesses blew the whistle on the alleged child abuse of Black's daughter and son.

A police report shows Black was arrested Thursday after a doctor in a children's clinic told Bartlett police officers she was concerned for the well being of Black's 2 small children.

According to the police report, witnesses told the doctor they'd seen Black abuse her 18 month old daughter and 3 year old son while in the lobby of the clinic. The report also says the doctor informed officers that she'd observed several "questionable bruises on both children."

One of the witnesses alleges she saw Black strike her daughter in the face with an open hand, so hard it could be heard across the room, for disobeying her.

Another witness alleges Black also struck her son with an open hand to the back of the head, so hard it almost knocked him to the ground.

"If you feel a child is in danger you can absolutely call law enforcement," said Felicia Gladue, an outreach coordinator with the Memphis Child Advocacy Center.

Gladue teaches abuse prevention. She isn't involved with the Black case, but says if it's not your child it can be a tough call when deciding if you should interfere.

"It does take courage to do that sometimes but we are the caretakers of children," she said.

Gladue says if you do spot abuse, you may be the only one that speaks up for that child so let someone know.