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A Case of Abuse...
Chapter 1
by
Robert Betts
(Age: 61)
copyright 09-19-2001
Age Rating: 18 to 127
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Since my monthly article for "Time Out" caused such a firestorm, let me give you a story by way of explanation. This is based on factual cases I've researched and/or witnessed. Names and enough details have been changed to protect innocent people.
~~~* * * * * * * * * *~~~
Timmy, just home from first grade, set his books on the counter and looked at his mom who was getting the ground beef out of the refrigerator for supper.
"Mommy?"
"Yes, hon."
"I... uh... Why did they ask us all those questions in the nurses office today?"
"Nurses' office? Were you sick today?"
"No, but a lady came to my classroom and took me to the nurses office. And then she asked lots of funny questions."
"Like what?"
"Uhh like if you ever touched me uhh, down there."
Sherry caught a lungful of air then screamed, "Sam! Get up here NOW !"
Sam came up from his office in the basement and looked at Sherry, "What's the problem?"
"Tim, tell your father what you just told me."
Timmy related the story and that his kindergarten sister had also been questioned.
Seeing that Sherry was furious, he told her to calm down and he'd handle it. Sam picked up the phone and dialed the school.
"Principle's office please."
"Mr. Harrington speaking. How may I help you?"
"My name is Sam Dunning and I have been just informed by my 6 yr old child that he has been grilled in your nurses' office. What the hell is this about, anyways?"
"Mr. Dunning, A social worker came. We took the children to the nurses office to ask them a few questions for the investigation."
"Without their parents' permission or knowledge? What investigation?"
"Someone has reported you for child abuse."
"Someone? Who?"
"Sorry but I know nothing of that."
"Who does?"
"You'll have to take that up with social services."
"I'll do that. One more thing, don't you ever allow my children to be grilled like that again without my or my wife's permission and presence."
"Sorry but that's standard operating proceedure, I have no control over that."
Sam hung up, taking deep breaths to keep from screaming.
Rage was burning in Sherry's eyes as she asked, "Well?"
"Tim, you and your sister go over and play with Billy... no on second thought, go out back and play in our yard. Stay close I need to talk to you."
After they went out back he looked at Sherry, sighed and said, "We've been reported for child abuse."
"You're joking! We're a regular Brady Bunch, all American mom and dad."
"Afraid not at least according to someone."
"Who...? Who, dammit, would do such a despicable thing! Why, God why?" Tears welled in her eyes which she tried unsucessfully to choke back. Sherry despised crying and when she did, it was without sobs, just tears streaming down her face.
Sam went to her and held her, brought her face against his shoulder and whispered, "I WILL find out who, I promise you that."
"But, oh my God ! They can take..." With that Sherry broke, "I'll kill him... I'll kill the son of a bitch-bastard who did this. So help me God. They will take my children over my dead body!"
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11-24-2001 Mary -BrytEyz- Ball
I've lived both sides of the coin. It's frustrating when an innocent person is accused and there is no way to speak with the accuser. At times the accuser is a concerned person who's really trying to help a child. At others it's a selfish person out to cause trouble for their own reasons whatever they may be. Although this is frustrating, (and perhaps there can be some policy implemented where a false accuser is labeled as such and gets investigated themselves after so many false reports, or where the accused can send a message back with social services to the unknown accuser...) I feel it's a neccessary evil.
I was a child living in hellish conditions. My father was sexually abusive and my step father physically, emotionally, and mentally abusive. Nobody ever called, not even the ones that knew for a fact that something was amiss. I was shamed and scared into silence until just recently. I wish no other child to live thru the turmoil I had to endure. The pain never goes away, the anguish only ebbs in time and again. How I wish someone would have called.
I was recently investigated myself by Protective Services. I'm pretty sure that it was my estranged husband trying to get back at me for leaving him. But, heck... who knows? It could be concerned neighbor or school employee. It could be a friend or family of my husband's who really cares for my children and innocently believe the crap my husband has been spreading around about me. Either way, it doesn't matter. If it wasn't my husband, it was someone who really cares for the well being of my children. The fact that someone cares enough to call P.S. makes me happy. I'm glad that others are looking out for the wellfare of my children besides me.
I have to admit, my pride was hurt that someone thought me an unfit parent. But I'm glad they called. Besides making me feel that someone other than myself cares for my children... they came and investigated and found NOTHING wrong with me or the way I handle my children. They found nothing wrong with my children's environment. Well... I can take that to court as proof I'm a good parent. See? "IF" it WAS my husband, it only backfired!!!
It was nothing more than a hassle and a kick in my pride. Both of which I can handle when it comes to the safety and well fare of my children. Well, I've gone on here. :) Thanks for writing this and I'll go on to read the rest.
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09-20-2001 Beverley McInnis
Robert, what I will state is this...it is very tragic when innocent people are accused of crimes they did not do. Whether it is child abuse or breaking into a home. Innocent people go to jail for crimes (including child abuse) they did not commit; guilty people (including child abuse) are set free. It is true this happens all the time.
Yet...walk a day in my shoes. Look into the eyes of the children who are scared to death, frightened for their lives, who have to be strong because "parents have rights."
And you will see, there are two sides to this debate. And the ones you believe are the most innocent, sometimes aren't.
I am looking forward to the next part of this factual account.
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09-20-2001 Betty Eskdale
It is infuriating that this can happen. Little children say things that can be misinterpreted too, things that they have overheard or seen on t.v. One of my children told a tale at school about us getting a divorce, it was news to us. Our other child came home and told us "you can't spank me, I have a phone number to call if you do" When she was nearly 16 a policeman came to her class and told them about their rights, the right to smoke, drive, pretty much do what they wanted, no one told them about responsibility and privileges. Where do these people get off planting terrible ideas in children's minds?!
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09-19-2001 Natalie Amaral
Very well-written. Whether or not this is a fictional story, this occurs all too often in real life.
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