Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Inservice



I had to attend a mandatory adult abuse class today.It is one of those things we have to do for any health care provider.
It almost made me physical ill watching some of the videos they showed.Seeing not only elderly people but children as well,who were physically abused.They say a lot of the time it is carried down from generation to generation.
Having worked in the nursing home I had it several times when I just had to walk away from the situation.I remember one lady especially.She could make the holiest person swear I am sure.Myself and many others had to walk away countless times.How one person could have so much nasty inside her I will never know.I would sometimes almost wait for her head to spin around and green slime to come from her mouth.(maybe I am making it a little worse then it is.) but she could get to me and I think she enjoyed it.
I've never understood how anyone could abuse a young innocent child.Makes me ill.
We were told about how important it is to report anything we see.You could be getting groceries and see a child getting stuck by a parent.
Several months ago my friends and I were out for a walk.( Yes I do have friends and I do walk).
we saw some mom pull her young son from the back of a pickup .She was screaming at him and pulled him by the wrists over the side of the pickup and let him fall to the ground.Both my neighbor and I said to her you better watch it we saw that.
Later that night as I was sitting outside the local police drove by and I flagged him down and told him.He assured me DHS is well aware of the problems and is working with the parents.He went on to say I do not know what it will take before the children get removed from the home.It makes me ill to think of those poor kids in that home.What kind of a life are they in for? Will they be that way to their kids some day?Will justice ever be served and the kids placed in a loving home?
Do me a favor,PLEASE!!!!! After reading this go to each of your kids give them a kiss and tell them you love them.So what if they are sleeping do it anyway..Well post a comment first then go do it.

7 comments:

k1 said...

Brian, unfortunately the behavior does often become generational.... or fatal.

There is a lot of emphasis on the physical abuse of children and elders, as there should be, but what often is seen as less important, but can have the same damaging consequences, is the verbal abuse some victims suffer.

You are right. People CAN NOT not do something when they witness abuse of any kind. What the abusers are comfortable doing in public is miniscule compared to what the victim endures in private.

If you don't dare approach the abuser, call the police or CPS. Do something!

From 2000-2004 I investigated nothing but the Financial Exploitation of Elderly and/or Vulnerable people. I was the only Detective assigned that caseload. I found that often times the financial abuse went hand in hand with verbal/physical/and sexual abuse.

In these cases I found that ANYONE could be an abuser: family, neighbor, stranger, attorney, and even clergy. Greed brings out the worst in people.

After 4 years, I emotionally could not do the job anymore. I cried too much for my victims. I dreamt about them. It was an emotionally draining assignment. I now investigate all other types of financial crimes, and the elder crimes are divided up between two other Detectives. I stay VERY busy, but I have to admit it isn't quite as rewarding bringing those suspects to justice as it was the abusers of the elderly and/or vulnerable.

k1 said...

Sorry the last post was so long. Now I am going to add to it. I neglected to list a category of abusers; one I saw alot of. Caregivers. In homes, in nursing homes, and in the hospital.

Although the majority of caretakers are genuinely commited to taking care of people, others purposefully find employment in that profession to prey on victims that cannot take care of themselves. People that were being paid to take care of the victims were taking advantage of them.

I strongly encourage anyone who's family is in the care of a caretaker to check up on them regularly.

Okay, I'm stepping down from the soapbox now.

Steffie B. said...

It makes me ill as well. I'm thankful that my sister comes into our home to take care of the little ones. The day she tells me she can't come anymore, I will just be beside myself at the thought of having to find someone else.

Beckyb said...

Hey - I am in a Mandatory Reporter's Class too right now - yes, it makes me mad that anyone would do these things to children too - we have only touched on "adults" since I am geared to the younger ones - but it makes me sick AND mad too!!!

insanemommy said...

Mr. Brian this makes me want to puke. It is so upsetting to me. I find it upsetting to hear anyone or anything being abused. Whether it's a child, adult or animal. This upsets me to the core.....Thank you for contacting the police.

redmaryjanes said...

It is heartbreaking isn't it? I have a girlfriend who is being physically abused by her husband. I can't get her to leave him and she won't report anything. I feel completely helpless.

Yoli said...

My husband is an Trauma Nurse and I also work at the same hospital. Prior to working at the hospital I worked for Hospice. The amount of abuse out there is unimaginable. I kissed my girl and held her tight.