Child Abuse in a Public Place

Ok, so I truly wanted to stay away from the stores yesterday, Black Friday. I don't know what it is about that day that makes people 'crazy', but it does. I had no choice but to go into a store and I witnessed something that made me sad and upset.

It instantly brought a memory of many, many years ago when I was a teenager. My Nana and I were in line at the grocery store. While standing there, this woman with a small child in the shopping cart started beating him in the head...hitting him over and over. While everyone around just gasped and stared, my Nana (who I miss so much) went over and tapped this woman on the shoulder.She began talking to her, which diverted her attention away from the boy. Then she began talking to the child. As the situation grew more calm and the woman was at ease, my Nana boldly asked this woman why she was hitting her child in the head. It turned out that he wanted 'candy' and the woman lost her patience. In the end, this stranger hugged my Nana and thanked her. I was never more proud of my Nana then on that day.

That memory allowed me to do the same thing yesterday. I couldn't watch as this woman was physically hurting her daughter. The innocent look on this girls face, looking up at her mother. It saddened me and to think what might go on behind closed doors. At least I diverted the woman and the little girl for a time.

Did my Nana and I do the right thing? I think so...maybe, just maybe it sparked something in these people to think twice before 'loosing it'.

Thinking a child might need or deserve a 'tap' on the hand on occasion is one thing, but to do physical harm is another story. I worked in a private day care for children aged 2-10 for 9 years. I witnessed first hand child abuse. It is gut wrenching. I attended child abuse seminars to enable me to handle and deal with situations. The memory of my Nana is what came to mind this time.

What would you do if you saw a parent loosing control and hurting a child while out in public?

Starting a conversation to divert their attention away from their action is a good start. Saying something negative may only cause the adult to get angrier and make things worse. Saying something positive or complementary about the child's eyes or clothes will change the mood.

If you saw a child alone and unattended in a shopping cart, would you take the time to stand near by until the parent returns?

Our time and small actions when seeing a child in possible danger is all it takes to help.

What Ethics Should be used When Reporting a Story?

While having our usual casual conversation around the water cooler at work, the subject turned to an explicit newspaper article regarding a child abuse case that ended in the death of a 3 year old child. This reporter thought it was necessary to give graphic details. It was heart wrenching.

I wonder if this reporter thought of the child’s family or friends reading this article. They had to relive the painful death of this child or maybe become aware of certain facts they didn't know.

This unfortunate death happened over 3 years ago and was brought back to life when this reporter was giving her review of the court session. I did read this article and it disturbed me the entire day and well into the night.

I understand that a reporter must not show personal feelings and report the facts, but...must it include such horrifying facts of what the child abuser did to this child? and include details on how this child suffered?

A reporter writes an article for public interest, I understand, but should they write everything that they have learned while investigating the facts for the story?

Should some compassion be shown for those who may be affected adversely by news coverage. Use special sensitivity when dealing with children?

Human nature is one of curiosity...sick at times. Ever see something so gross or an accident that you didn't want to look at, but couldn't take your eyes off of it? That's what I thought about this article...I kept reading it because I couldn't believe what I was actually reading....

I guess the reporter did accomplish getting a reaction from me and I am sure from others as well about the important issue of child abuse.

Graphic descriptions, distasteful or shocking material might be considered the most important facts to convey, but maybe a warning at the beginning of this article stating explicit or disturbing material may offend some readers should have been used.

What are your thoughts on this?

HELP STOP CHILD ABUSE