Could mom have prevented son's death?

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - The man behind bars for assaulting the 4-year-old boy whose burned body was found under the porch of his home on a mid-Michigan reservation is being labeled a "person of interest".

Anthony Bennett had a disturbing past of abuse against Carnel Chamberlain, which he told Carnel's mother, Jamiee, about on numerous occasions, according to police reports.

In a FBI statement , Carnel told his mother that Bennett had punched him. Jaimee admitted she even saw Bennett pick Carnel up by his neck, drop him, and dragged him by his foot about 15 feet.

Jamiee's knowlege of Bennett's abuse against her son had several people wondering why she didn't leave and she could've prevented her son's death.

"You know I'm not saying that the mother isn't responsible," said Jillaine Harkema, Executive Director at Safe Haven Ministries. "Perhaps [she could've stopped this] but we don't know the answer to do that. I mean we don't know what would have happened to her or her child or to others had she stepped out and said she needed help. That's what we don't know. And what we don't know is her fear inside of her head of what would have happened if she did seek help."

The answer as to why she didn't leave is very complex. According to Safe Haven Ministries , many people in Jamiee Chamberlain's same situation often face threats on people they love if they report something and will ultimately put others in jeopardy.

In many cases, domestic violence victims try to stick it out and figure out how to manage.

Harkema said violent relationships over a long period of time are full of negative messages, so the victims have no self-esteem, they don't trust their own judgment, and feel like they don't deserve the life they have because that's what they are told.

Safe Haven Ministries said organizations such as theirs aim to help women safely escape violent situations, but it's up to the victims to determine when it actually is safe to leave. Often threats to them and their family members are very real.

If you or someone you know is in an abusive situation, contact a domestic violence shelter immediately. They are trained in protecting victims and are confidential. Safe Haven Ministries can be reached at (616) 452-6664.