[Warning: Potentially Triggering Content]
Kendra Duggar‘s family is finally addressing her husband Joseph‘s arrest.
Last month, the 31-year-old former reality star was arrested after a 14-year-old accused him of molesting her when she was only 9 during a vacation in Florida in 2020. Joseph allegedly admitted to the crime to the young girl’s father, saying he “touched the victim over her clothing” and his “intentions were not pure.” However, he has since pleaded not guilty. He also got charged with an additional four counts of second-degree endangering the welfare of a minor and four counts of second-degree false imprisonment alongside Kendra in Arkansas.
Related: Joy-Anna’s Husband Sends Joseph SUPER Supportive Letter In Jail…
Several members of the Duggar family have spoken out about the horrifying accusations since Joseph’s arrest. But we hadn’t heard from Kendra’s loved ones… until now.
Nearly a month later, the Caldwell family took to Instagram to make it clear that their hearts and prayers are with the victim. They wrote on Wednesday:
“Our family is both troubled and heartbroken over the alleged actions committed by our son-in-law. We are devastated for the young girl, a child who was courageous in every way to share her truth. We stand by her, both in support and prayer, and forever will. Our love for this child remains at the forefront of our family’s priorities and minds. We are proud of her for being strong enough to share her story while also retaining her own identity and joy. We pray all victims of crimes can be as courageous as this young girl is. They should be able to share their story, to trust in the judicial process, and to do so without fear of retaliation. You are not alone.”
The Caldwell’s went on to acknowledge their own family, especially Kendra and her four kids:
“At the same time, we also recognize how traumatic this incident has been for our grandchildren as well and continue to pray for their strength. Our love for them, and our daughter Kendra, remains.”
They continued:
“We believe in a God who is just and loving. One who loves all of His children, especially the vulnerable and innocent. The only way to freedom is to shine light in the darkness. And in this time, part of the light in our lives has come through the outpouring of love and prayer from people near and far. Thank you who have given in all the ways, through prayer, finances, time, energy and words of encouragement. We love you all.”
Kendra’s loved ones concluded, saying they “have no further comment and request privacy” at this time. See the statement (below):
View this post on Instagram
We continue to keep the victim in our thoughts. What are your reactions, Perezcious readers? Let us know.
If you have sincere cause to suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence and would like to learn more about resources, consider checking out https://www.rainn.org/resources.
[Image via Joseph and Kendra Duggar/Instagram, Washington County Sheriff’s Department]
