The RCMP officer charged in a horrific case of child abuse appeared in an Ottawa courtroom today. The case is attracting a lot attention across the country. Now, the Children's Aid Society of Ottawa is asking the public to come forward if they ever fear for the safety of any child.

The 41 year old officer hung his head throughout most of his 10 minute court appearance. He had been ordered to see a court doctor before he appeared to face a string of charges that have stunned this community. Two hours later, the 34-year-old woman accused in this case appeared by video from the Ottawa Carleton Detention Centre. She quietly stated her name and appeared tired and nervous. Her long hair was parted in the middle, tied up with a white scrunchie. The couple faces multiple charges including aggravated assault, assault with a weapon, failing to provide the necessaries of life and forcible confinement.

Both the man and his 34-year-old wife were arrested Tuesday after Ottawa Police were called to their house. Their names and that of the young victims, and police say there are more than one victim, are under a publication ban. Police sources tell CTV Ottawa that the injuries on one young child shocked hospital staff. The case has certainly shocked the community.

“Heartbroken and scandalized,” says Ottawa resident Beryl Coté. “My father was an RCMP person and I’m heartbroken for the force and this poor little child.”

“I was shocked,” adds Ottawa resident Peggy Tessier. “Really shocked and that you can have neighbours and people don’t know anything that's going on.”

But there are hints that neighbors suspected something was amiss days, even weeks earlier.

Now Ottawa's Children's Aid Society is asking people to call them, even anonymously, if they feel any child is at risk.

“It’s a change in a pattern is what you're looking for,” says Barbara MacKinnon, the Executive Director of the Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa. “If you saw a child that didn't have the appropriate clothing in the winter, looked like they lost a lot of weight, were fearful, had a vacant look; those are symbols of something happening.”  MacKinnon says people need to trust their gut instinct when they feel something is odd.

“People are concerned what they see isn't true but we're asking people to trust their instincts and give us a call. We will work through the process of deciding whether it’s something that needs responding to.”

The RCMP officer has not been on active duty with the force since May of 2011.  Both accused are back in court by video remand February 19th.