Letters to the Editor for 4-22-09

To the Editor:

Punishment for child abusers, whether it is physical or mental abuse, should be increased. I believe child abusers are getting off too easy. Although most child abusers usually only get either therapy or probation, that doesn’t mean their going to stop. Sometimes it means that they get smarter, less challenged, and even change their pattern. Though, sometimes they get better, not as violent or aggressive.

After being abused, children usually feel humiliated or withdrawn from others. They tend to feel insecure or even angry, even blame themselves, or become violent. Children are moistly threatened by their abusers that they will hurt the child or someone/something the child loves. Some children whom are abused tend to seek approval from their abusers, because they feel like they are strong and fearless. They also become angry at the people they feel should have protected them. Abused children need all the love and support to overcome this horrible nightmare.

Always assure the child that the abuse is not their fault and they are the victim. Children need to know they can tell any and everything no matter how good or bad and know you will always love them.

In need of the child’s safety, child abusers should have to leave the area in which the child is staying. If the child abuser has been moved to another area than the child and the family also might want to leave in case the abuser decides to return to the child’s school. At least the child, as well as the parent or guardian, will be safe from the abuser.

If the abuser is found to be violent or has done something to inhumane to the child they usually receive jail time. If they plead to be then they will be sent to an institution in which they will receive treatment. Usually if the punishment is effective enough they will have learned their lesson and change their ways.

In the beginning the abuser will pretend to be the victim, they will act calm or cool.

Through out the United States more than 3.25 million reports of child abuse or neglect occur. Also in the United States more than 2,000 children die from child abuse each year. More than 85% under the age six died. But more than 44% die at the age of or under one year old from child abuse. Did you know that 60% of women at the age of 31 are perpetrators? Also 40% of the male sex at the average age 34 is perpetrators.

There are many kinds of abuse; sexual, mental, or physical. Sexual abuse is if the child has been raped, molested, or even a simple pat on the butt. Mental abuse is if the abuser calls them stupid or unable to comprehend much of anything.
Remember, if you think your child is being abused just ask them.

Eva C. Smith
Williamsburg
 

To the Editor:

I would like to respond to a letter in last week’s paper: "God has forsaken us because we have forsaken him."

Matthew 7:1: Judge not, that ye be not judged.

Hebrews 13:5: Let your conversation be without covetousness and be content with such things as ye have, for he hath said I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

1 Thessalonians 5:18: In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

1 Timothy 6:8: And having food and raiment let us be there content.

Psalms 118:8: It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.

May got God bless America again. God has never stopped blessing America. I thank God each day for my life and the many, many blessings, and for Jesus, the sweetest name I know.

Sharon K. Silcox
Jellico