UPDATE- WIBTAH if I called CPS on my wife’s sister for her child?

Sometimes, life throws us into situations where doing the right thing feels terrifying—especially when family is involved. Imagine discovering something so disturbing that you have to make a choice: stay silent and preserve family ties, or take action and potentially shatter relationships forever. One Redditor found themselves at such a crossroads, facing an impossible dilemma involving their wife’s sister and her child.

What began as a gut feeling turned into a heartbreaking revelation. When a concerned husband took to Reddit to ask if he would be the bad guy for calling CPS on his wife’s sister, the community overwhelmingly urged him to take action. Now, in a sobering update, he shares the consequences of his decision—one that ultimately saved a young life.

‘UPDATE- WIBTAH if I called CPS on my wife’s sister for her child?’

Expert Opinion

Making the decision to involve child protective services is never easy, but in this case, it was undeniably the right call. Dr. Emily Carter, a licensed child psychologist specializing in trauma, emphasizes that early intervention can be the difference between healing and lifelong suffering. “When children experience prolonged abuse, they often develop deep-seated trauma that affects their trust, relationships, and emotional stability. Removing them from that environment as soon as possible is critical.”

The situation was beyond alarming—this child was not only being harmed but also betrayed by the very people meant to protect her. The mother’s complicity is especially egregious. According to the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System (NCANDS), nearly 77% of child maltreatment cases involve parents as the perpetrators. This highlights a grim reality: sometimes, the danger lies within the home itself.

But what about the emotional impact on OP and his wife? Family loyalty is a powerful force, and many people struggle with taking action against their own relatives. Dr. Carter explains, “There’s an ingrained societal pressure to protect family bonds, which can cloud judgment. However, in cases of abuse, prioritizing a child’s safety should always come first. It’s natural for OP’s wife to feel devastated, but her grief doesn’t mean she did the wrong thing—it just means she’s human.”

There’s also the question of how the child will recover from such a traumatic experience. Fortunately, research shows that children placed in supportive, loving environments—like OP’s home—have a much better chance at emotional and psychological recovery. “Healing is a long journey,” Dr. Carter adds, “but with proper therapy, patience, and love, she can rebuild trust and stability in her life.”

Here’s what the community had to contribute:

Community Opinions

Reddit did not hold back in its response to OP’s update. Many users praised him for stepping in when others had failed the child:

Some commenters even shared personal experiences, emphasizing how much it means when someone takes action instead of looking the other way. One user wrote, “I wish someone had done this for me when I was a kid. You absolutely did the right thing.” Of course, there were also discussions about the wife’s reaction. Many pointed out that it’s understandable to grieve the betrayal of a sibling, but it’s crucial to channel that energy into helping the child heal.

This update may not have been the happy twist we all hoped for, but at least there’s a silver lining: one more child is now safe from harm. OP’s courage to act, despite the familial fallout, is commendable. His wife may be heartbroken, but she stands beside him in supporting this child’s recovery.

What would you do if you were in OP’s shoes? Have you ever been faced with a moral dilemma involving family? Share your thoughts in the comments below—let’s keep this conversation going.