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What is Child Abuse?
I have been privy to a situation in which a child has been removed from his parents and put into a foster home. What must that be like for this young spirit, this young growing mind? I realize that removing a child from an abusive situation, until the courts are able to appoint full custody to who they feel is the right parent to raise the child safely and lovingly, is a safety issue for the child.
But how is a child able to deal with this abrupt change in environment? What is it like to fear being in your own home, but then to be lifted away into an unknown environment with unknown people. It makes me think of the effects on the child. Will they be long-term? How do you support one going through this. How do we support the loving parent who is also suffering through this?
I cannot imagine how I could feel if my child was removed to a place where I had no idea of the who, what and where.
Then there are those situations where children are caught in the crossfire of two parents arguing and fighting. The child may not be physically abused, but what about the mental fatigue of hearing the two people they know and love fighting and arguing? Not just once in a while but consistently each day or night. I know as an adult, when I witness this between others, I just want to leave the room. The anger is so unpleasant to be around, as is the cruelty in words and action that usually goes along with it.
As an individual, these situations have really helped me to become more aware of compassion, as well as the power of love and understanding. To be thankful for what I have and for those around me. Many times, I hear people say they just don’t want to be involved. Stay out of other’s business. While I do believe in doing that unless they ask for help and support, I also believe you should offer your compassion if needed.
We can make change by supporting others going through these types of struggle, if we so choose. It might make the world a better place.