.....this page dedicated to
all the broken hearted children
I've known
(too many)....
A cuffing. Come here, I'm going to give you
a good cuffing were his words.
Come out of the bathroom later to get some ice,
crying, with a red ear.
Sometimes two. Thankful there is only that many.
Upset, because ears couldn't be a nose.
Trying to hide them in school that day with a cap.
Long hair would have been best.
A haircut. Come here, so I can give you
a good cut before they call you a "Sheila", were his words.
Keeping the ears clear for an accurate cuffing.
Every two weeks in the garage.
Heavy nerves and rusty scissors, bad light
and thin hair.
Cuffings and haircuts and red ears that wouldn't go away.
Things, to make up lies about for those who asked.
......Michael Easton
Sadly, there are people out there who abuse and exploit children. This is everyones problem because these young ones are the future, and in the words of first lady Hillary Clinton, "It takes a village...". If you know an abused child, please dont be silent.
Unfortunately, most child abuse occurs in the child's own home. Here are some warning signs to be aware of as teachers, neighbors, day care(according to recent statistics, 49% of abused children are 5 and younger), or anyone working with, or around children:
1. Physical Factors:
A. Cheek bruises. children fall down and hit their heads but rarely hurt their cheeks accidentally.
B. Hidden bruises, wearing long sleeves and pants in hot weather with bruises underneath.
C. Unusual marks, such as made by cigarette burns or being whipped by cords.
D. Soreness, a child hesitates to play at recess or moves slowly.
E. Protruding stomach, this is a sign of malnutrition, neglect.
2. Behavior signs:
A. Withdrawn, passive behavior, avoiding attracting attention.
B. Regressive behavior, reverting to infant like behaviors like thumb sucking, wetting, persistant crying.
C. Aggressive, Bullying behavior, pick fights, act out anger on others.
D. Inability to make friends, poor self image, dont attract other kids.
Be aware that any one of these symptoms does not guarantee abuse, but just view as warning signs of possible abuse.
How can we help? There are many ways we can save our children. It starts with prevention. Here are some tips for keeping your own child from becoming a victim to a predator.
1. A child needs to know you will listen to him/her, that he/she can talk to you about anything.
2. They need to know how much other people can physically and emotionally ask from them (where their boundaries are).
3. Be honest with your children about what dangers are out there and teach them to trust their instincts
.
HELPFUL LINKS
Prevent Child Abuse AmericaCalifornia Dept. of Child and Family ServicesKeep Your Children safeA Shooting Star
From Ariadne's Crown
Something came flashing down
Over the distant town,
Over the river and sleeping farms;
The planets above seemed to wink
As they watched the traveler sink;
And motherly Earth, I think,
May have folded a little lost star in her arms.
-----Edith M. Thomas
These children were murdered by their father. Read their story and others, and lets keep the candle burning to remember our lost and abused children.
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