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Residents urge Abilene officials to investigate alleged abuse and deaths at faith-based homes
Summary
Public commenters told the council graphic allegations of abuse, forced labor, and multiple deaths at local “discipleship” homes and urged city action to close the facilities; council took no formal action during the meeting.
Two members of the public used the council’s public comment period to urge Abilene officials to investigate and shut down faith-based residential programs they described as abusive and dangerous.
Bambi Pew said two women recently left what she called a “Bridal Discipleship Home” and recounted allegations including emotional abuse, forced labor, restricted contact with family, and physical and sexual abuse. Pew said residents were required to perform punitive tasks — including scrubbing an outdoor brick wall with a toothbrush for “days, weeks, sometimes even months” — and alleged…
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