A New Hampshire couple, Thomas and Denise Atkocaitis, who were previously convicted on criminal charges for allegedly keeping their adopted daughter, Olivia Atkocaitis, in a locked basement and subjecting her to years of torture and “servitude,” are now facing a lawsuit for allegedly violating her 13th Amendment rights. Olivia, now 20 years old, escaped from the basement in 2018 at the age of 15 by digging her way out using a bottle cap. The lawsuit, which was obtained by Digital, reveals the horrifying details of her alleged abuse.
According to the lawsuit, Olivia was regularly locked in an 8-foot by 8-foot room without proper living conditions. She slept on a vinyl twin mattress without sheets, heat, ventilation, or running water. The window was covered with chicken wire, and she was forced to use a bucket for her needs. The suit also claims that Olivia was physically and mentally abused, starved, and denied healthcare. She was allegedly tied up with a dog leash and threatened with deportation if she didn’t behave.
Olivia’s sibling reported the abuse to the New Boston Police Department and their school in 2011, but she was never removed from the home, despite the involvement of state entities such as the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services and the Division for Children, Youth and Families. The lawsuit also includes allegations against the New Boston Central School District, the New Boston Police Department, and the town for their role in “contributing to the perpetuation of Olivia’s slavery” for 14 years.
Earlier this month, the parents’ pleas to dismiss the case were denied by a court judge. Attempts by state entities and the New Boston Police Department to dismiss charges against individual police officers and social workers are still pending. Attorney Michael S. Lewis, representing Olivia, stated that the facts of the case demonstrate the existence of slavery in modern times, even in New Hampshire.
Olivia is seeking damages from her adoptive parents and the New Hampshire agencies involved. Her goal is emancipation from anyone who had a part in her alleged abuse. Despite her traumatic experiences, she is now studying psychology at Plymouth State University.
The shocking nature of this case highlights the importance of protecting vulnerable children and ensuring their safety. The lawsuit serves as a reminder of the need for accountability and justice in cases of child abuse and neglect.
