Hair attacks force Amish to seek outside help

CARROLLTON, Ohio - Prosecutors in Ohio are continuing their investigation into hair-cutting attacks against several Amish people with assistance from members of the deeply private religious group.

It's unusual but not unheard of for the Amish to enlist the help of law enforcement.

The Amish believe they must be forgiving and often times that means handing out their own punishment and not reporting crimes to law enforcement.

Haircut attacks spotlight Ohio Amish community
4 arrested in U.S. Amish attack

Authorities in Ohio say the Amish turned to them because they didn't think the attacks could be stopped any other way.

Five men from a breakaway Amish group have been charged with forcefully cutting the beards and hair of several Amish men and women in recent weeks.

Beards are held in high esteem within in the Amish community. They're grown and kept long based on Biblical teachings.