BROOKSVILLE, Fla. (WFLA) — Eight teenagers were charged with battery after an incident at the Brooksville Youth Academy, the Hernando County Sheriff's Office said.

BYA is a psychiatric residential treatment facility that serves boys ages 13 to 17 who have mental health or behavioral needs. The facility's website said there are 72 boys in their care.

Deputies responded to a reported battery at the facility at around 4 p.m. on Sunday and spoke with the victim, who said he was attacked by a group of other residents and fell into the fetal position to try and protect himself.

Staff intervened, and the victim was treated by medical staff at the facility before reporting the attack to the Department of Juvenile Justice.

The sheriff's office said the boy had multiple visible injuries, includi

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