the person who witnessed it is refusing to report it. The person won't report it, because they don't want to get the family member in trouble, and they are also afraid of the government trying to take the children away from the family. Is there something I could do in this situation to intervene for these little children, even though I don't live in the same state as them and I haven't witnessed the abuse and neglect myself?
2007-10-24 19:19:16 · 23 answers · asked by Tea 6 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
I am overwhelmed by your responses. It confirms what I am already feeling. It is an awkward situation though, because these family members just moved to a new state and I do not have their address. Also, the majority of my family is Christian and believe that it is the parent's right to spank their child. I think that is another factor in why no one is reporting. The family member who confided in me is not the only family member who has witnessed it. There are three others whom she says have seen it and they are all stuck on the Bible verse that says "spare the rod, spoil the child".
I have decided to get his address any way I can and report this. I was abused as a child myself and no one reported it. I'm not going to let the cycle continue. Thanks for the help everyone!
2007-10-25 08:45:25 · update #1
Below I've put the links to a national organisation which offers confidential ANONYMOUS advice to people who suspect child abuse is occurring.
Your friend may be afraid of getting someone in trouble, or of putting these kids into the system, but one thing is for sure ~ if abuse is occurring, these kids are already being damaged and harmed by their own family!!!
I cannot imagine a greater betrayal, or a scenario more likely to lead to trouble further down the line.
However, because you don't know, and neither do I, check out the website or give these folks a call ~ because they are professionals and can give real, practical LEGAL advice!
Best wishes and good luck ~ you are doing the right thing and these kids are lucky that someone cares enough about them to do so :-)
2007-10-24 19:57:30 · answer #1 · answered by thing55000 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Contact the police department and the Children's Protective services agency in the city where the abuse is happening. Tell them everything you know. They will take it from there. By reporting, you are doing the right thing. . . for everyone involved. . . especially the children.
I work at a Residential Treatment Center that serves at-risk youths ages 10-17. Most have been abused as small children, but no one ever intervened and got them help. They grew into troubled teens who, often, themselves became abusers. If you want to spare the children of suffering and inevitable problems later on. . . report this ASAP. Thank you for your concern. Good luck.
2007-10-27 01:25:10 · answer #2 · answered by lightningelemental 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Definitely report it, do you want someone hurting your family? Even if the government does take the children, at least they're in a safe place. Also, if another family member in the family can take the children,(The grandparents?) That would be great. This seriously needs to stop. The children shouldn't have to go through this at all, they don't deserve it. Even if you don't live in the same state , call the police, let them know that you heard of an abuse case with one of your family members, and they will investigate it. Especially if the children have bruises, most likely they will be taken to the doctor to be checked out, which is evidence right there. Do the right thing!
2007-10-25 02:33:01 · answer #3 · answered by Fokas 2 · 3⤊ 1⤋
normally I would say that the fears of State intervention are justified. There is also the element of false accusation for atention or to get the alleged perp in trouble. Coming from you, and the fact that the person telling you does not want to get the perp in trouble, then it may be just an attention getter, or a serious act that needs immediate intervention.
Even if it was me that is being accused...& I KNOW i didn't abuse these kids nor any others, I would suggest immediate intervention from higher authority. You AND the someone in your family that confessed this to you start with a strong adult member, for council.
If this does not get instintanious results in the best interest of the possibly victimized children, then go to the state within the hour.
2007-10-25 09:28:30 · answer #4 · answered by travis 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because it's your family, it is hard to turn anyone in. Something you can do is to talk to the alleged abuser and try to get them to open up. Do not appear confrontational or judgemental. Most likely, that person is just having trouble with dealing with frustrations. You can be the crutch and suggest more productive ways such as removing themselves from the situation when it starts to get heated. If they are trying to change, perhaps there is hope. However, if they are completely in denial, maybe it is time to talk to the kids. Assess the damage and determine next steps whether it be an intervention or a threat to contact authorities. Ultimately, the safety of the children should be the priority. I'm sure you'll do the right thing - good luck!
2007-10-25 02:24:33 · answer #5 · answered by Lum 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Yes, report it to social services.You could also try talking to the family member that witnessed it again, I actually think it's pretty sick that they're choosing to protect the abuser rather than the poor innocent children. And although the care services can be rough they would probably be better off, or maybe you or someone else in the family could help to take care of the children. You have an obligation as an adult and a human being to report your suspicions to the police and social services. They will investigate it and get the the bottom of things, hopefully. Please don't let the children suffer any longer.
2007-10-25 02:28:36 · answer #6 · answered by Dazedandconfused 4 · 6⤊ 1⤋
Oh Vitamin C, you must act right away!!!!! Don't even finish reading this! Call the cops, call Child Protection Services in the county where the kids reside, do it NOW!!!!
Child Protection Sevices will help the children, and if the kids do get removed for the home, that means there is reasonable cause to believe that they are IN IMMEDIATE DANGER!!! Their safety is the only issue here, focus on that, nothing else matters now!
Please email me and let me know what happens, I care.
Blessings,
Lady Morgana )0(
2007-10-25 17:59:41 · answer #7 · answered by Lady Morgana 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It doesn't matter if they are a family member or not. Abuse is abuse, and it needs to be reported. Talk to the person that witnessed it, and try to get them to report it. If not, see if there is some way that you can get the person investigated by an anonymous tip so they don't have to know it was you.
Keep in mind that it is CHILDREN being abused, and no child deserves that! Speak out for them because they are not going to speak for themselves about it.
Good luck and I hope everything works out ok!
2007-10-25 02:28:28 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 1⤋
Call in an anonymous concern to the Dept of Children Services in there area. Whatever concerns the family member that told you has the biggest and most important concern would have to be the safety of those children!!!!!! Don't wait until something serious happens and you regret not intervening at the beginning. NO CHILD should have to worry about someone they consider "Safe" harming them. Please call.............
2007-10-25 13:59:45 · answer #9 · answered by TiFfAnY 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Contact his city's police department. I'm sure CPS would let one of ur other family members take care of the child. The child should be taken out of the situation asap. The family member who witnessed it and did nothing is just as guilty as the person doing it. At this point ur the child's only hope to get out. Help the child out. If u care!
2007-10-25 02:31:46 · answer #10 · answered by kayley_bug 2 · 4⤊ 1⤋