In yesterday’s post, we talked about domestic abuse. The numbers are chilling, and clearly there is room for improvement. Yet, in this modern day, for all our educational and information resources, there is still a problem in our society with the issue of physical and emotional violence.
The situation has another side, too. What if you suspect someone near you is being abused on some level, whether an adult or a child? What do you do? Depending on the people involved, you might contact your local law enforcement agency, a department of social services, or a school. In large cities, officials are trained to provide a safe avenue for informants as well as for victims.
In small towns, the matter could be a bit more challenging, since everyone seems to know everyone else. There is a much shorter line of connection in small communities, and contrary to what we’d like to believe, not everyone is a good, wholesome person, even at the leadership level. The best way to report a problem is to either go through a trusted government official (in my case that would be the town clerk) or to the highest official level one can find, like a county sheriff who is likely trained by state mandate in legal matters like personal privacy. Even then, the situation might not feel very safe for you.
It's this issue of personal safety that can be circumvented through some system of anonymity. After all, you could be dealing with a stranger and that brings with it a whole set of unknowns. When I researched online to find more information about reporting systems, I found a site called Anonymous Tips which allows for school and law enforcement agencies to register with them, then offers a vehicle for consumers to make a report without any chance of someone discovering who actually made the report. This could make the difference between a child or family getting the help they need, or risking a very serious and potentially lethal situation.
Is your local police department or school on this list? Mine isn’t and I fully intend to call and encourage them to sign up! Click here to check which cities in your state have registered, and if your town isn't on it, consider asking them to join.
Have you ever had to report an abuse situation in your school or neighborhood? How did you go about making the report? How did you feel about it after? Do you think you made a difference in the victim’s life? Please share with us in the comments.
We offer this information as part of our monthly theme on safety which coincides with the release of Rana DiOrio’s new title, What Does It Mean To Be Safe?, which is the 4th book in her series. Please be sure to take advantage of our free shipping offer this month. You just need to enter LPPSAFE11 at checkout. Click here to order a copy.
9 comments:
I'm calling our local PD now to inquire if our city is on the list...thank you for this.
The last time I reported someone, the perp came to the door to discuss it because the town manager told him to go apologize! It turned out well enough, but I really don't want that kind of risk again. What an awkward situation. Safety concerns are important in these situations, too.
More good information on an unfortunately common issue. It is really important that people empower themselves and take action. And children need to know that speaking up will be acted upon and that they will be protected, whether it is abuse directed at them or if they are in an abusive environment. Thanks Cameron.
I was working on a project with a child who was at home and in bed because she could not walk. Parents and I determined a time for me to meet with the child during the week. I called and informed the child that I was on my way. Getting into the home was a breeze because the front door was unlocked. The 10 year old child was alone. After discussing the situation with the child I learned that this was done often and the parents were at work. We continued working on the project and afterwards the situation was reported by me to the principal. That's the law! Protective services got involved, the parents were furious, lashed out at everyone, had no interest in furthering the project and left the school. I don't know if it made a difference in that family's life or in the child's life. I hope that all is well today.
Thanks for providing the means to help people we suspect are victims.
To echo what Tony said; People need to empower themselves and take action. I once had an acquaintance warn me about a possible bad situation that I was able to act on before anything happened. Things could have been different had this person not had the courage to talk to me. I will always appreciate that. Don't hesitate if you see something not right. It is better to be SAFE than sorry.
As a Teacher I remember having to call Social Services for the first time, and the fear I had when I knew I would have to face the parents on a daily basis and they would know that I reported them. I remember being a first year teacher, and for a moment I had doubt on whether or not I should call. Then I thought of the child and the pain the child was living in, and I needed to be the voice and the strength for that child. Don't be afraid to ask the hard questions or look into a situation that doesn't seem right. So often abuse goes on right in front of us but people are too busy or too afraid to stand up and do the right thing.
Thank you for this wonderful post, Dani. I agree with the abovementioned- reporting suspected abuse can be hard, but it can also be life or death.
Very good information, Dani. It just shows that you really have to think these things through and to protect the child and yourself with the potential backlash from the parents. Thanks! ~~Keith
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