What will you do, if you know somebody who mentally abuse her child?

Question

this person has a bad temper. everytime she has a dispute with her bf she acts badly as a mother towards her son. she yells at him calling him degrading names like "your an idiot" or "are you stupid" sometimes pushes him. But i just don't want to interfere. I once told her to stop calling her son names, but she yells at me. I don't need that I have a child so I just disassociate myself and my son from her. But should I tell someone?

Answer 1

Use a hidden camera or tape recorder... and show proof to
the social service or official.

Then they will do something about it.

Answer 2

Well in New York there's a 3 month old baby that weighs 10 pounds. He's been diagnosed with failure to strive by his doctor. About 5 different doctors reported his low weight from not being fed, his bad cradle cap and diaper rash so bad it was almost in blisters and so far CPS here has chosen to let that baby stay with the mother and grandmother. Not to mention when the baby was about 4 weeks old the mother held a 12 gauge shotgun up to him and threated to "blow his f--king head off". When I called the CPS worker in charge of this case and asked her how they could let that baby stay there I was told "Well she is the mother. She has a right to be with her baby." So I'm very sorry to say I have no faith in CPS after seeing all the things that have went down with this beautiful little baby. I don't think CPS helps them. I think they're more interested in keeping them together than actually helping the kids and realizing the sad truth that some people really shouldn't have them. Please pray for all these kids. I say at least try it though. Maybe the CPS where you are is better than the one here. I know with this baby the only time he gains weight is when he's in the hospital or spending a few days away from where he lives.

Answer 3

It sounds like your friend needs some professional help. I'd call someone. If her child is in school, perhaps call the school and request a meeting with his teacher or school counselor. I don't know that I'd call CPS because she'd never forgive you and may retaliate, but you shouldn't just sit around and do nothing. You may also consider writing her a note, telling her that you are concerned about her. Let her know that as your friend you want the best for her and that it seems she's on edge. From a biblical standpoint, you should take another friend with you and tell her in person, to her face that you are concerned about her actions. It's important not to judge her, but to let her know you want the best for her and you're concerned about HER. You could also ask the son the next time you're around him if things are this way at home and if he'd be willing to let you help him. I don't know how old her son is, but this is a really sad situation. As encouragement to act, how would you feel if for some reason she ended up hurting the young boy and put him in the hospital. Would you feel guilty? If so, I'd call someone. If you don't feel confident about calling the school, call CPS and you can report anonymously.

PS Lisa A said to make notes about the situations. Documentation is always helpful. If you have dates/times police, school officials, and CPS are all far more likely to act on your allegations.

Answer 4

If she has the guts to do these things in front of other people, I'd hate to see what she does behind closed doors.

You could always call DCFS and they will investigate her. It's a hard choice to make because DCFS may be able to put him with another family member while the mother gets counseling, or they may have to put him in the system and could end up with good foster parents or maybe bad foster parents.

Always make a decision on what's best for the child. If you feel the child could be in danger, make the phone call.

Answer 5

By not saying or doing anything to protect this child youre just as bad! For the life of me I cant understand what youve been thinking. If youve got to be told how to act or when to call to protect a child maybe you are also unfit. For GODS sakes either but a women and tell her what shes doing or call one of her family members. THEN CALL DHS... The dept. of human services / or child protection services. See a doctor maybe theres a reason you dont think well by yourself! WHENEVER YOU SEE OR HEAR A CHILD BEING ABUSED YOU ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS CALL SOMEONE TO HELP THE CHILD YOU MORON!

Answer 6

She does have an anger problem. She is verbally and physically abusing him out of displaced anger and she needs to be stopped. She could easily push him hard enough to cause permanent damage, not to mention the emotion damage she is continuously causing him. She definitately needs intervention, don't wait another minute. You really don't want to be saying, "I knew I should have done something". Do it for the child.

Answer 7

Yes I think she sounds appalling and should be reported to Social Services. I met a woman once who did this at a family wedding. Her daughter must have been about 9 years old. She sat there quiet as a mouse, frightened to say a word or move while her b*tch of a mother sat and carped and criticised her, accusing her of sulking and talking about her to the rest of us, as if she wasn't there, saying things like "She knows I won't put up with it." I wanted to slap the stupid woman AND her useless husband. If he'd had any balls he'd have stood up for his daughter.

Answer 8

Yes, you should tell someone. Her actions count as mental/emotional abuse. She clearly has anger management issues, and if someone doesn't step in soon, her son will be the victim of even worse abuse.
Call your local Children & Family Services agency (in the front section of the phone book) and tell them everything. Let them decide what to do.

Answer 9

Call the Police

Answer 10

yes, tell the school where she takes her son or call the police and tell them what is going on and they will tell you how to anonymously report her. it is something that need not be taken lightly. It is serious and will eventually escalate into soemthing more than mental abuse especially if she is already pushing him

Answer 11

It sounds as if your friend is out of control and needs to be put into check. Children are voiceless and choice-less. The fact that she takes her ADULT conflicts out on her child indicates she herself needs help. If the mother isn't healthy the child isn't health. Help her with frank open communication and if need be compel her with legal help.