It's a Pagan's Duty to Recognize and Report Child Abuse
LADY NOOGS
According to ChildHelp.org in the United States “An estimated 906,000 children are victims of abuse and neglect every year. The rate of victimization is 12.3 children per 1, 000 children”. It’s our Pagan duty, make that a Human duty, to recognize and report suspected child abuse, be it physical, sexual abuse or neglect. I’m not calling on the preverbal “Witch Hunt” here, I’m just asking for people to pay close attention and be responsible enough to call authorities when needed.
[In June 2007] Witchvox posted a news article titled, “Wiccan Correctional Officer Accused of Molesting Girl for Years.” I read the comments posts. Some were outraged, as they should be. Many mentioned that some so-called Christians also do it too. But the one that scared me sounded something like this (and is a normal response from most parents when something of this nature strikes to close to home): “As I parent I don’t see how I wouldn’t see the signs, so there’s got to be something wrong with the parents”.
Just because a parent doesn’t “see the signs” doesn’t mean they are a bad parent. Most child molesters will choose a child who is “pliable” and will take threats seriously. They pick their victims carefully and most often are family or friends of family who the child and parents trust. I friend of mine whose family is very close knit and were very watchful of the people in their lives was sexually abused, her parents still don’t know what happened to her. Luckily the man stopped when she told him (after years of abuse) that she would tell. That’s the exception not the rule.
Thus the reason for my article: To help educate how to recognize the signs of Child abuse. The information I will be sharing was shared with me at a Foster parent training class some years back I will also list some links for more information on how you can help the hurting children of our world.
Sexual abuse is defined as Employment, use, persuasion, inducement, enticement, or coercion of any child to engage in, or assist any other person to engage in, any sexually explicit conduct or any simulation of such conduct for the purpose of producing any visual depiction of such conduct; or rape, and in cases of caretaker or inter-familial relationships, statutory rape, molestation, prostitution, or other form of sexual exploitation of children, or incest with children. ( http://www.smith-lawfirm.com/mandatory_reporting.htm)
Child abuse is universal, it does not happen only in one culture, economic standing, race or religion. But there are contributing factors as why it may happen more in one particular “group” of people.
Common physical signs of physical abuse are: unexplained (and or chronic or repeated) cuts and bruises welts in the shape of an object. These can be in clusters and in various stages of healing and especially if they are on an infant. Usually on face, throat, upper arms, buttocks, thighs or lower back; bit marks; burns again in the shape of an object; Unexplained skeletal injuries usually in the facial structure, skull and bones around joints, fractures caused by severe blows or twisting and pulling, and any skeletal injury in an infant. Any injury that is unexplained or repeated too often to be accidents.
Common emotional/behavioral signs of abuse are inappropriate or excessive fear of adults; problems in school; anti-social behavior, substance abuse; truancy and running away; acting out behavior’s which reflect the child’s attempt to cope with or hide the abuse or neglect; belief that punishment is deserved or suggesting other children should be punished in a harsher manner; depression or excessive crying; unbelievable or inconsistent explanation for injuries; reluctance to return home. Behaviors that suggest developmental problems or emotional distress.
Some physical clues to recognizing sexual abuse are: complaint of irritation and pain of the genitals; sexually transmitted diseases; pregnancy; bruises or bleeding from genitalia or anal regions; genital discharge; torn, stained or bloody underclothes; frequent and unexplained sore throats, yeast or urinary infections.
Some behavioral indicators of sexual abuse are: poor peer relationships; regressive behaviors; sudden change in behavior; overly sexualized behavior; aggression or delinquency; difficulty in walking or sitting; in young children, preoccupation with his, his parents’, or other children’s sexual organs; recurrent nightmares, disturbed sleep patterns or fear of the dark; unusual and age-inappropriate interest in sexual matters and age-inappropriate ways of expressing affection; avoidance of undressing, or the wearing of extra layers of clothing; sudden avoidance of certain familiar adults or places, ; and sudden decline in school performance.
There is also emotional abuse and neglect, which unfortunately are sometimes subjective. They are reportable but oftentimes harder to prosecute. If you suspect emotional abuse or neglect as well as physical and sexual abuse you must report it. As pagans and with our commitment to the God and Goddess and Nature it is our duty to protect the most valuable resource we have, our children. So please if you suspect a child is being abused or neglected report it. You can do so anonymously and in most states it’s illegal NOT to report suspected abuse via your local Child protective services or local police department.
Most people wonder what happens when a report is made. Usually an intake worker will take the report. If a child is in immediate danger the child may be removed and placed into foster care. If not a case worker will visit the family to assess the situation, if the child isn’t in immediate danger they agency will offer the family whatever services they may need such as counseling, resources such as medical cards, food stamps, help finding jobs, babysitters. If for some reason the child or children need to be taken out of the home most states will try to find a relative or someone the child is familiar with before placing them in traditional foster homes.
Some other resources and information on this subject can be found at:
For Mandatory reporting laws:
http://www.smith-lawfirm.com/mandatory_reporting.htmIf you are interested in becoming a foster or adopt parent to the children in need in your area please contact your local Child Protective Services or Department of Job and family services.
