the police just blew me off when I tried to report the abuse! help!?

Question

Okay, I've susspected that my friend Jason has been abused for awhile now.

So I went to his house unnanounced. I saw drugs on the table, I saw him get punched by a closed fist with his father's own hand, right in front of me. (He was already hurt, and limping.)

So I did what any person would do: I went downtown and reported it to the police.

They told me I needed to come back with Jason and have him file a report.

So I did.

And then they told us that we were liars (after hearing our story.) I was appaled! Jason told about several times he was hit or punched for no reason - plus I told about the abuse.

They sent letters to both our parents. I had told my parents, but they didn't seem to care.

What should I do now? I CAN'T let Jason go back to his house - his dad'll hurt him very badly. And I can't move out -- I'm only 17.

Help!

Answer 1

The police did the same to me. You need to call 1800-4-A-CHILD. This is a child abuse hotline. The hotline counselors are very nice, and they will make the appropriate contacts with Child Protective Services to make the police do their jobs.

You also need to be firm with the police. Child abuse is a serious crime, and you were a witness. You can tell them that you want Child Protective Services involved immediately. In fact, the police are required in my state to contact CPS when abuse is reported.
Anyway, just contact the child abuse hotline, and things will be fine from there.

Also, if he is in danger of being hurt, he can contact a local shelter. The hotline will set you up with this. IN fact, when CPS finds out about this, and he has bruises on his face plus a witness to show it was his dad, CPS will remove the child from the home.

BTW, I only say child because a child is technically defined as one under the age of 18 by law. So, even though you guys are teenagers, you still have to go through CPS.

Has he done anything to defend himself? Has he left the residence? Why is he staying around his father if his father is beating him? If you can give more details that would be great....but first, contact a hotline!

Answer 2

Could Jason stay with you for a few days, or at another friends house because he clearly can't go back to his dad's. I can't believe that the police would just dis-miss you like this they are suppose to help people.

You could contact Social Services and see if they could help you, but Jason must not go back to his fathers. Does Jason have any other relatives that he could go and stay with.

What if you tried talking to your parents again and explained to them clearly what has been happening. It could be a case that they are scared and they don't want to get involved, if this is the case I think that you will have to tell a teacher or someone at your school as they should be able to help you.

Answer 3

Why would you move out, this happened to your friend? You need to go above the town level, and go to the State Police or the Sheriffs Department. Tell them your stories and then your friend can file a report of abuse. And maybe he can get a restraining order, and move somewhere else safe(friends, family, temp. housing). Tell them of the drugs you saw too, and maybe he can vouch they are doing drugs as well. Thank you for elaborating for us, now you will get some better advice as to what to do. Good luck! :)

Answer 4

You can actually declare emancupation in most states at 16. This means your on your own. They'll only let you do it if you have a steady job thou. Go to a Social service worker or an officer higher than the guy you talked too. somethings up if they won't even investigate. You could go to the media and get them to report it on the news and then they(the police) would be forced to investigate.

Answer 5

Am I wrong for being fascinated with abuse?
I would never harm a person, but I am fascinated with the concept of abuse and want to go into children's services someday. Am I wrong to think this way? I just want to help people...

Additional Details

6 days ago
I guess I should say interested. Such as why did it happen, how did it happen, why didn't they tell?


THE ABOVE IS FROM ANOTHER QUESTION ASKED 6 DAYS AGO. EVERY OTHER QUESTION HAS THE WORD ABUSE IN IT AT LEAST ONCE.

I WONDER WHY THE AUTHORITES HAVE DOUBTS ABOUT WHAT CHILDREN TELL THEM...

I SERIOUSLY HOPE YOU GET THE HELP YOU NEED SOON.

Answer 6

well fisrt thing u did the right thing.try this go to the captain of the police station and report those officers then state your cases to him if he does nothin get drastic go to the closest newspaper and tell them they should right a story about it maybe then you and your friend can get some help.if that dosent work when jason goes home and the abuse does start call every emergency number u have fire ,ambulance,etc that should work.if u r really scared for your friend u will try this i know it sounds drastic but u have know choice if they wont listen.

Answer 7

I am floored that they would just blow it off. go to your school counselor tell her/him. call the mayors office and tell them if you can't depend on the police to help you when you are in a time of need then why when you start working should you have to pay taxes for a city service that won't bennefit you. Where are you located??? That is just absurd that the police would be like that. Also .. you could contact your local social services department. Welfare, child abuse hotlines etc.

Answer 8

First, just so you know, the police are very, very derelict in their duty. Second, call child protective services and report the situation. Here's a phone number you can call for help: 1-800-799-7233 Tell them how the police reacted. You're doing a good thing.

Answer 9

Every state has an abuse hotline that you can report. Call your state's division of family services. Keep a log of everytime you report the incident and to who you reported it. Keep reporting. If you are still in school talk to a teacher/counselor or any other trusted adult in the school. They are mandated reporters and must report abuse. Do not stop reporting it! Keep it up until someone listens.

Answer 10

Go see the county attorney, he or she has the ability to prosecute the crimes. Explain that the police will not listen, or call the court and get a Victim's Advocate. You are going to have to go backwards, since forward doesn't work. Call the Boy's Town hotline, they may be of some assistance. Actually, he can move out. He needs to live with a friend though. Again, it's backwards, but WTF, if the law won't help, do it yourself.