Isolated Kids in Spain Rescued Thanks to a Curious Neighbor
SPAIN – A neighbor’s curiosity became the key to rescuing three children who had been isolated by their parents for years in Oviedo. The children, aged 8 and 10, were kept in seclusion for four years, shielded from the world by their parents due to an obsessive fear of contracting COVID-19.
The parents, Christian Steffen, 53, and Melissa Ann Steffen, 48, moved from Germany to Spain during the pandemic to prevent their children from being exposed to the virus. They rented a large villa in Oviedo, keeping their children confined to the house and forbidding them from using the bathroom, insisting they wear diapers to avoid contamination. The children were only allowed to peek out of the windows briefly, and the blinds were quickly shut.
Sylvia, a neighbor known for being a “Marites” (gossip), took note of strange behaviors. She observed that only the father left the house to collect groceries, and she noticed a constant delivery of diapers, even though the children seemed old enough to be toilet-trained. Concerned, Sylvia reported her observations to the police, which led to an investigation. The police discovered the disturbing truth: the house was full of dirty diapers and sanitary pads, the windows were sealed shut, and multiple air purifiers were running 24/7.
Though not malnourished, the children suffered from severe constipation due to the restrictions placed on them. The parents’ extreme fear of the virus, coupled with their psychological condition—known as “COVID-19 anxiety syndrome”—had led them to isolate their children entirely.
Sylvia’s vigilance ultimately helped the authorities uncover the family’s hidden life. The Steffens are now facing charges of domestic violence and psychological abuse. The children are currently undergoing medical and psychological evaluations. Spanish media have hailed Sylvia as a hero, acknowledging that her curiosity and attention to detail saved the children’s lives.
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