Comments for Child Abuse Story From Lexi

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Feb 22, 2009
Telling the truth DOES NOT automatically mean a foster home for you...
by: Darlene Barriere - Webmaster

Lexi, I must first tell you that in the United States, parents have the right to spank their children, much as I find this law repugnant; I believe it is nothing short of legalized violence against children. But what I believe isn't at issue here. What they DON'T have the right to do is push their children into walls, grab them hard enough to leave bruises, or throw things at them. They also don't have the right to name-call.

Your father is out of control and needs help for his violent outbursts. Unless someone intervenes, he'll never be forced to address these outbursts. Your mother obviously knows that what he's doing is wrong, otherwise she wouldn't have instructed you and your sister the way she did, she wouldn't have scared you into believing that telling would mean foster care. Based on what your mother told you, you're now worried about something that seldom happens in abusive homes; children rarely get removed from their homes, except in the most severe cases and when there is imminent danger to the child.

You believe that Social Services did nothing because your stepdad is a doctor. While I can understand why you would believe that, it's very unlikely, Lexi. The fact is, they COULDN'T do anything because the children involved told them nothing bad was happening. That's the way it works. If a child won't tell the truth about the abuse, agencies trying to protect children have their hands tied. Lexi, if you don't tell the truth about what is happening in your home, you AND your sister will continue to be in harms way.

I urge you to contact Child Help at 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) in order to talk to someone about the abuse you are still dealing with. They are staffed 24/7 with professionally trained counsellors who will listen to you. They are not a reporting agency, although they can help you through the process of reporting if you decide to disclose the abuse. Neither you nor your sister deserve to be mistreated, Lexi. For the sake of both of you, please call them.

Thank you for sharing your story with my visitors and me.

A Video Reading by Darlene Barriere
Darlene Barriere
Webmaster: www.child-abuse-effects.com
Violence & Abuse Prevention Educator
Author: On My Own Terms, A Memoir

Feb 22, 2009
Doctor NO
by: Mrs R

Hi Lexi, I can really relate where you are comming from, it's not an easy decision. I grew up with my family physically and sexually abusing me,I was threatened not to tell. As a young child Lexi my life was so bad I prayed so hard to be taken away I did not want to live there. What does concern me Lexi that in my experience violence only escalate, and can turn to sexual abuse sometimes, also what if your stepdad really hurts you or your sister and one of you end up in hospital or even dies, yes that happens too. I am so sorry for the pain you and your sister are going through, but at the end of the day your mother is not watching out for you, you must watch out for you. Sometimes talking to a teacher that you like can help.....
Good luck Lexi, stay safe and please don't allow the violence to get worse.

Feb 22, 2009
A Monster for a Step-dad
by: Anonymous

Lexi, your so-called step-dad is wrong; you are not idiots (neither you nor your dear sister). Both of you are beautiful and smart; don't think otherwise. You guys did nothing wrong. My parents did the same thing to me, too, and no one seems to believe me at all. Darlene is right! Please tell someone before it's too late! Don't wait too long! Get help, fast! Good luck, sweetheart!

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this, I do try to balance the need for the submitter to be
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