Husband and wife fight, child abuse?

Question

The married couple in our neighbourhood often fights. They usually yell at each other, smashing dishes and other noise is heard. There is probably some physical violence too. They also have three small children. I think they are from 1 to 4 years old boys.

Yesterday at night they had an especially hard fight. It woke me up. The children were crying and screaming and I was very upset by this. I was very sad for the kids that have to grow up in such an enviroment.

Anyway I dont know the couple by person, I only see them on the street from time to time. They also dont seem to have any contact with their neighbours.
I would like to do something, at least to help the kids.. Next time I decided to call the police if such incident occurs, this time nobody of their neighbours did that, I think. The police should then contact social department, but that probably will not help much.

Does anyone have an idea what could be done?

Answer 1

Somebody should alert Child Protective Services (CPS), and yes, do call the police in a situation as you mentioned above. Check out this website http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/child_protection/about_child_protective_services/

Answer 2

First step is to call the police, if nothing else, for disturbing the peace. Let the police handle it from there. Oh, I'd call EVERY time this happens, maybe after 5-6 calls, the police will contact social services?

Answer 3

You personally can contact the the social services department and let them know what you have witnessed, they will then have to investigate this will at least ensure the parents know they are being watched. If it continues the children will be removed from the home.

Thank you for getting involved.

Answer 4

You need to leave him. It is an absolute negative household and will effect the child horribly. Being poor (as long as it has food and shelter) is better for the child rather then seeing his mother get beat along with himself. In my opinion your husband is a incopetent selfish stingy vile peice of crap. There are places where you can go, such as safe homes for mothers and children (assuming your in the u.s.a.) and you can absolutly call the police on him if he ever harms you! Violence in the house will lead the child to learn to be violent as well and in the long run will cause major problems throughout his life.

Answer 5

Call social services on them. They should come out and investigate the living conditions for the children.

Answer 6

Don't worry. If it happens again call the police. The kids might not like being taken away, but it's a risk that could save their lives. Becareful, good people like you we need more of.

Answer 7

Call dcfs call the cops that's a good start ask the officers what to do call the cops next time this happens, you need to do this for the kids.

Answer 8

those kids shouldn't be living in such harsh conditions. i say the sooner the better, you call someone for help. any child abuse lines that you know of?

Answer 9

you should just let it be. you can't stop couples from getting into fights like that, even if it is unfair to the children.

BUT, if you do see bruises and you know for SURE that the children are being pushed around, then I would do something about it.

Answer 10

Contact social services with your concerns. No child should have to live in that kind of environment