Copyright
© 2003
Dear Annette,
My
dad has hit me since I was a little kid, I'm 19 and he still hits me. He also
has 3 other kids in his house now all under the age of 18 and he hits them as
well. I don’t live with my dad, but I try to help out anyway I can.
The
thing is I've called DFYS, and all they do is call my mom. They never come,
help, or anything. No one will
help.
The
thing is I can't do it anymore. I've been doing it my whole life, but I feel
obligated to help the kids. I can't keep picking them up off the floor and
telling them that everything will be okay, when I know that it won't. I don’t
know where else to turn, please if you have any advise it would help greatly.
Thanks,
Abused
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Dear
Abused,
Since
your mother is covering up the abuse when the Child Protective Services are
called then it is time to get the police involved. They have to come out to investigate physical assault
charges. You are now considered
an adult and can charge him with assault.
The children, however, come under the Child Protective Services and
should be protected under them.
You
are going to need proof of abuse, which is what you have not had in the past.
You can notarize statements from family, friends, or neighbors that
have seen your bruises or the children’s or have actually seen the abuse
happening.
If
he is very abusive to the point that you or the children have had to go see
the doctor or emergency room to be fixed up, then you have more evidence.
Get those records!
If you can't get them, tell the police about them.
They can get them!
If
you or the children have fresh bruises, show these to the police.
Don’t call the police unless he has just assaulted someone.
Instead go to the police station with the evidence or witnesses and get
him arrested.
Since
no one else will stop him it is up to you to make this stop.
You must protect the children and yourself.
Go to the police, but get the evidence you need first!
The
police will get DFYS involved if you gather your evidence correctly, and the
children will be protected.
You
do not have to go alone. If you
belong to a church, your pastor could go with you and support you.
It is always good to have another clear thinking adult with you.
Other family members are usually another good source of support.
I
hope this opens an avenue for you to get this reported and the abuse stopped.
Whatever happens, don’t stop telling people what is happening.
Sincerely,
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