Child Abuse

Child abuse is a horrific crime that is occurring with tremendous increase in society today. Numerous reports are being aired on T.V. news broadcasts. www.baynews9.com or
www.cnn.com Children are being snatched out of their homes, getting caught in gang cross-fire, being burned by other kids, thrown out of moving cars, and sexually or physically abused by family members.

I find it depressing when children in crisis are left in the hands of these "suspect" authority figures during investigations. Legal issues are preventing these youngsters from getting the help they need. The abusers are getting second chances to intimidate or harm these defenseless children again.

A relative called Child Protective Services about five children, ages six months to seven years old, who lived with their mother and her boyfriend. Drugs and alcohol were factors in the adults daily activities. The children were neglected, malnourished, and living in filth. Dirty diapers, old food, and bugs infested the home. The children were removed for one day, while the couple cleaned the house and got food. It angers me that the children were returned so quickly. Did the mother learn anything from the slap on her wrist?

I recently completed reading a New York Times best seller. A Child Called "It", is a true story written by a man who survived child abuse and chose to write about his horrific ordeal. Dace Pelzer's mother was an alcoholic who enjoyed playing dangerous mind games against him. Pelzer learned how to survive against her.

Dave Pelzer had two brothers. In the beginning, everything was good. Their father was a fireman, their mom stayed at home with the boys. They would take trips, and celebrate holidays together. As the boys got older, their dad's job kept him away longer. Their mother was drinking more, and punishments became harsh.

Dave writes about having his arm broken, being shoved into a mirror, and being told to burn himself. He described his childhood as a smash and dash. His mother would smash him, and he would dash to a place to hide. Dave ended up living in the basement on a cot.

When his father was home, he would sneak him food and try to ease the tension in the house. This added stress on his dad, who also drank more. Arguments were frequent between his parents. His mother always won. She dominated over Dave's father.

After years of abuse, a neighbor finally called social services. A lady came to the house for a visit. Pelzer's mom made everything seem OK. Dave was too afraid to defy her, so he said that everything was fine. The lady left the child in the abusive hands of his mother.

As the abuse continues, Pelzer began to hate his father and brothers. His dad knew what was going on, and did nothing about it. His brothers began to hit him like their mother. In the book, he says he hated himself the most. He felt that all the problems were his fault. Family and friends were alienated. Hie mom would stop speaking to her mom and brother. Dave's dad spent less time at home. His mom would call his dad bad names. His father could not take his home life anymore, so he moved out.

Pelzer's rescue from his life of abuse occurred at school. Administration finally called in help for Dave. The police informed his mother he wouldn't be coming home. He was placed into the custody of the Juvenile Department. He was free at last.

Dave Pelzer went on to have children of his own. He became an advocate against child abuse. His speeches and writings have influences many people.

In the 1970's, when Pelzer was a child, nobody knew about child abuse. It was not a topic that was discussed openly. Today, child abuse is publicly discussed. Professionals are educated on signs of abuse, and who to contact with suspected abuse. My hope is that in the future, timely reaction can prevent repeat abuse. Children should not have to wait months or even years to get the assistance they need.