I am having a very bad internal conflict. I believe that my brother's wife is very abusive with my nephew. I've seen things I don't like and have a sense it is worse when no one is actually there(which is all the time cause my brother works alot). He is very mean and unusually unhappy for a 3 year old. First instict is: punch her out...but can't do that. I need to take care of this situation before I regret that I didn't...please I am looking for realistic answers...I don't want to lose my brother...but I'm to the point where I almost don't care if I do. I really think he doesn't know the extreme nature that it may be. How should I take care of this.....without going the authority way first.
2007-03-13 18:48:39 · 9 answers · asked by sass 2 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
From what you have presented, intervention is needed. You are right in not following your instincts in "punching her out". That possibly puts you in jail and does nothing to help your nephew.
As I see it, you have two paths to follow. The first is to talk to your brother and see if he is noticing anything that may or may not confirm your instincts, and if he does, the two of you need to do something to change things. Also, you may check with your parents and have them watch the child's activities when he is with "grandpa and grandma" to see if they notice anything different. They may already know more than you do, but like you, are afraid to say anything.
The only other option you have is an anonymous phone call to the police or child protective services, where you can give information without giving your name, and they will do an investigation. If the investigator wants your name, explain that there are family ties and that it would not be good for you or the child if your name was involved. Do not believe them when they say they will keep your name out of it, as it quite often is slipped in interviews, and also becomes public knowledge if the mother and/ or father is charged with a criminal act. Your name will then be given to the prosecutor, and through the "Discovery" process, the defense attorney (you sister-in-law's attorney) will then have your name.
Either way, intervention may be needed and soon, before something worse happens to the boy. The decision is up to you, but consider which you will feel better about; a safe and happy nephew, or a ticked off brother that allows this to happen.
Just my thoughts.......
2007-03-13 19:02:24 · answer #1 · answered by nontatertot 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Talk to your brother first and tell him you are realy concerned about the way his wife treats their son. If he doesnt beleive you take pictures if you see bruises or anything like that on your nephew. Any type of abuse towards children is unacceptible. There is a difference between discipline and abuse. By what you say your nephew has some of the symptoms. When a child that young is being abused they think that its normal behavior and they will become abusive towards others around them because they think thats what they're supposed to do. If you do have to report her for abuse you can make an anonymous call.
This number will provide more information about child abuse and how to report it. 1-800-4 A Child
also check their website www.childhelp.org
2007-03-14 02:12:45 · answer #2 · answered by dadslilgirl1990 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would have a talk with your brother about his wife and find out if he even knows about it. I think you should be able to tell if he lies to you. Stand up for what you believe is right even if you might loose your brothers trust for awhile. Second you need physical proof that he is being abused.
2007-03-14 02:14:05 · answer #3 · answered by Dereck 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
in a calm way inform your brother about the abuse. if this doesn't work, call child protection and you can report abuse anonymously. we all have the responsibility to report any form of abuse to a child.
2007-03-14 01:58:48 · answer #4 · answered by gurrrly 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Report it to Child Protective Services. You can report anonymously and they will investigate, especially if they believe physical or sexual abuse is happening. No one will know who reported it because they are bound by confidentiality laws.
2007-03-14 01:51:53 · answer #5 · answered by tranquility_base3@yahoo.com 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Try sitting him down & talking to him first, & if he defends her & takes her side, then call your local Dept. of Social Services & have them investigate what's going on.
2007-03-14 02:16:03 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well,you could go to the Social Services anonymously with your complaint.That way,no one will know it was you.
2007-03-14 02:06:11 · answer #7 · answered by rachel_m_28 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Set up a hidden video cam to try and catch her in the act.
Otherwise it's your word against hers and that won't be sufficient enough to bring charges...
but, video evidence will be conclusive.
Like this one...
http://www.hiddenpinholecameras.com/teddybear2-hidden-camera.htm
http://www.spysupplystore.com/cameras.html
http://www.surveillance-spy-cameras.com/video.html
or this Nanny Cam...
http://www.ggsmark.com/store/nanny-cam-wireless-spy-night-vision,Product.asp
2007-03-14 01:58:36 · answer #8 · answered by GeneL 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
your shoud talk to your brother and tell him what you just told us
2007-03-14 01:52:23 · answer #9 · answered by Mr. Lemons 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋