Author's Note: Some of the content illustrated in this article may not be suited for children. Abuse is a serious concept; have a parent read over it before you continue on reading this article. This story is not about me, but my very close friend. I will use I to take place of his actions.
"Child abuse casts a shadow with the length of a lifetime." - Herbert Ward.
I sat right-side up on my bed, with two pillows under my head. There was a shattering noise downstairs, though it's normal. "Oh, my dad is just on a rampage again," I said to myself. My dad abused alcohol; it was a very serious illness to him. He would go on a rampage and hurt other people; he only gave mercy when he was finished. I was crying again, as usual. He would always hurt my brother, and I stood helpless.
I was only 9 years-old, how am I supposed to do something? My brother is down there, helpless, and in darkness. The noise hit again, but this time it was louder than ever before.
"Child abuse continues to be a significant problem in the United States. It was estimated that in 2001, 903,000 children were the victims of child abuse or neglect. Child abuse is a crime perpetrated on the innocent and the defenseless." - Pete Domenici.
I decided to take action, for the first time against my dad. My dad was highly intoxicated, I could tell by the swerved movements he was progressing into. My brother on the other hand, was not in good shape. He was only 13, and doesn't deserve the harsh punishments. All I could do was stare at him, not moving and was close to dying. I sat down on the bottom step and began to cry, I cried for my dad, and for his harsh attacks to cease.
"Child abuse does not go away" - Karen Adams.
I knew there was nothing I could do, until my dad left or passed out. When my dad did leave the room and go upstairs, I ran for my brother. I checked to see if he was breathing, but he wasn't. He was dead. I never thought my dad would go this far. He has just killed one of his own, and probably won't regret it. My eyes swelled up in pure shock and depression. It's time someone took action against child abuse.
Don't be the victim of child abuse, don't just give up on yourself, or your life. Most of child abuse today is preventable. Here are some signs to protect yourself, or if you suspect others are being abused as well.
Physical abuse.
* Bruises or welts shaped like an object (belt buckle or electric cord).
* Bruises in unusual places (back, eyes, mouth, thighs, calves).
* Layers of different colored bruises in the same general area.
* Burns in the shape of an object (iron, fireplace tool, or heater).
* Rope burns on ankles, wrists, or torso.
* Adult sized bite marks.
* Suspicious fractures (doctors and nurses are trained to recognize these).
If you, or someone else you believe is being abused, call your local police station and have it arranged for an investigation.
"Every kid has a right to be a kid, no kid has a right to be abused." - iamtodd
- iamtodd.
Editor's Note: As iamtodd mentioned in this article, if you or someone you know is being abused, please contact someone you can trust: a teacher, a friend or a local police officer. No one deserves to be abused and there are people who will help.
