A couple of posts ago, I wrote a book blurb for Lisa Ricard Claro's Book Blurb Friday. The book cover "blurb" was about a real-life 4th grade boy (Franklin) and his 2nd grade sister and kindergarten brother. They live in another state; they are students of a friend of mine.
Franklin and his sibling were being forced to perform unspeakable sex acts on each other and the boyfriend of their mother. Franklin had told his teacher last year; this young boy's behavior was off the chain, and justifiably so. It was then reported to the principal, and the appropriate officials were called in. When the boyfriend denied it (what a surprise!), the authorities closed the case. And the boyfriend resumed picking up the children from school...everything back to "normal" for these no-longer innocents...
This young man felt like he had been tricked...duped. He had done what everyone tells all children: tell someone you trust. Keep telling them until someone listens. People had listened, but still nothing had happened.
The family then decided to move--to a new school district where no one would know what to keep an out for--and last Friday was going to be their last day at my friend's school.
Just this week, my friend reported that her principal had called in the police and threatened to call the local news channel. When that didn't have an immediate impact, he promised he would kidnap the children and take them to his own home. When the police said, "We would have to arrest you if that happened," the principal replied that it would be on the news then, which would be the desired result.
It appears that the mother had told the children to lie when the authorities originally investigated; this caring, loving mom protected her kids by promising them she would beat them if they told anyone. Sadly, children who are abused remain strongly connected to their parents, because even sexual abuse and beating is attention. Neglect is what severs the connection, screwing up a kid's ability to bond...The children said nothing.
Right now, the children are still at my friend's school. They are living with another relative. I would not call them permanently "safe" because anything can happen with parental rights and lying sacks of shit and court dates. However, Franklin knows that--finally--someone really listened to him.
(Author's Note: The names, location and details have been changed to protect the guilty--those who are guilty of blogging about something that could cause them to lose their job.
And who do I hate worse--the mother or the boyfriend? The mom, hands down. I despise perverts, and I know they are all around us. But a mother who has given birth to children and then condones her kids being forced to perform oral sex on each other and an adult male? I just wish I had three minutes alone with the two of them. I could kill two birds--birds that are nastier than pigeons, more damaging than hawks, more ugly than turkey buzzards--with one stone.)
There is far too much, turning away from problems of abuse of all types. There are way too many victims of the system, but I don't know how it's ever going to be changed unless the rest of us start helping the system instead of being afraid to get involved. I don't understand the type of person that can hurt a child at all and I don't want to.
ReplyDeleteHeartbreaking, so heartbreaking. Especially knowing this is in no way an isolated case. Thank God the principal took a firm stand. We can only pray it is not too late for the kids to heal in a meaningful way. Not a happy post, Sioux, but an important one.
ReplyDeleteYour post is extremely touching. Thanks for sharing, getting the word out. Awareness is key (knowing what to look for), then speaking up and taking a stand. Sending love waves to those innocent children.
ReplyDeleteI think maybe I used the wrong word when I said "extremely touching" - I meant that to be how much it touched my heart in a very sad way. And then touching by how much you cared with sharing.
ReplyDeleteWe need more prinicpals like this one, and one can only wonder how abused and mentally ill the mother is. The system is overloaded. Thank goodness someone stepped into get them out of that home. Unfortunatley, some foster homes can be as bad. Women have told me horrific stories about foster care. I hope these children are safe.
ReplyDeleteEvery time I hear about these unspeakable acts happening in our world it's so upsetting, I honestly feel sick to my stomach. With all the stupid Hippa laws and other ridiculous PC ways of thinking...I feel so helpless about it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the update Sioux. I have been thinking about these kids and praying for them. I have been told that the only way to get real attention - and real action - in schools is to threaten to call the local news.
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm with you. That woman is no mother. She is even worse than the shit bag who's hurting those poor kids. And if something is done quickly, those kids could very well grow up to be predators and/or enabling parents. It's such a sad, vicious cycle.
Hooray for the principal, who really went out on a limb. It's a start. Thank you for updating us, because I too have been thinking about these kids. And will continue to keep them in my prayers.
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