There is a girl who is 10 years old and probably she is a victim of incest or violence. She lives with her father. The parents are divorced and the mother is living in another city.
She denies to tell that her father abuses her. I know it. Because she behaves really strange and sometimes her reactions for usual things are so extreme.
A couple days ago I wanted to hold her hair. She yelled at me like "Don't touch me!" and then she apologized for her strange manner. She also really hates her father but denies to tell me the reason. She always says "He may go to the hell!" or something similar to this. She also said that her father told the girl that he loves her very much since she resembles her mother.
As a matter of fact I want to do something for her but I don't want to force her. How can I make her tell me the truth. Maybe I can do something for her and help her get rid of this father. But since she denies to talk, I can't do anything and I don't want to break her heart. Of course I'm not so sure about those. But I want to be sure then do something.
I know this is something too serious for me to handle alone but I need some suggestions about this issue. What do you think I should do?
2007-11-10 10:49:54 · 7 answers · asked by C. is taking a break! 5 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
This is a very delicate matter and I believe it should be handled with maximum care.
First of all, you must pay all the attention that you can to the child . I believe that she desperately needs companionship of a female adult at least to feel secure in her mind.
Secondly, please consider to mention this matter to another adult who can keep an eye on the matter and the child so he/she can help you to get a more objective opinion.
The "must" thing to do is to find a way and contact a professional- either a child abuse specialist or a psychologist - for professional advise and proper care.
I agree with the first answerer: you shouldn't let this issue go, it may mean a child's mental health and life..
Good Luck.
2007-11-10 11:14:03 · answer #1 · answered by Ipek K 7 · 7⤊ 1⤋
You don't have to make her "admit" that there is anything wrong in order to help her. She is just a child, and often kids faced with distressing complex situations just repress the whole matter. Don't get any preconceived notions about what is happening. The situation might be completely different than you think. The separation of mothers and fathers often leave children angry at parents, for example.
However, I agree that there IS something wrong, that needs evaluation by a professional. Notify the local child service agency that there is a need for a social worker to investigate, but be careful about making allegations. Report only what you have actually seen and heard, not what you suppose is going on in private. Jumping to conclusions harms many families, especially when it is this serious, so stay a friend to the girl.
2007-11-10 23:33:39 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would call a few child abuse hotlines to get advice from professionals. However, it seems like you're sure something is going on, in which case you should report it. Or, you could take her a to a child therapist, maybe, w/out her father knowing. At that age, there's no telling what she may or not be aware of. If he's abusing her, she may not be totally there. Children often disassociate while being abused. It would be really difficult for her to tell you what's going on.
Please don't give up on the situation if you think something is wrong. I can't tell you how many people wish that someone noticed something was wrong when they were children. And, breaking her heart by disrupting whatever family she has, will be better for her than letting her stay in an abusive situation.
2007-11-10 10:58:54 · answer #3 · answered by Natalie 2 · 6⤊ 0⤋
A. if you think that she is abused the report that to children services don't try to do anything for it at this time. by the sound of it she is not ready to get help so until then not much that you can do.
let her know that if something is happening that it is not her folt ever!
let her know that it is OK to talk to anyone about what is going on if anything is.
but i think most of all let her know she is loved and deserving to be loved
good luck
2007-11-10 11:04:59 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
If you are right about your suspicions, she will not talk to you unless she really trusts you and/or she is really desperate. At this stage I guess you have to get professional help from a psychologist/social services expert. Meanwhile try to establish close ties with her.
2007-11-11 17:01:57 · answer #5 · answered by anlarm 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I would say someone needs to step in. You would be doing the right thing what ever the outcome. I know because I have been in just that situation.
2007-11-10 11:17:11 · answer #6 · answered by fixn2rock 2 · 5⤊ 0⤋
take her to councillor.
2007-11-16 04:29:53 · answer #7 · answered by prince47 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋