Is It Really “Child Abuse” if the Child Does Not Feel Victimized?
Question by Truth: Is it really “child abuse” if the child does not feel victimized?
I am not referring to a brainwashed toddler, but to a fully rational 16 year-old who has top-tier grades and test scores, healthy interactions with his classmates, and a kind and well-mannered personality that does not exhibit any signs of depression. I have been teaching high school for 12 years, and this is the second year in which I will have this student on my roster. Last year, he frequently showed up to class crying, with a series of awful bruises and hematomas under the eyes and around the temple, and occasionally a broken cheekbone. I am very well aware that his parents are incredibly strict and that his mother has a history of anger management problems.
Last week, I asked to speak privately to the boy after class, and questioned him on both the source of the injuries, and his family dynamics. He explained quite convincingly that this sort of discipline is not uncommon to his cultural and religious background (Turkish Muslim, very devout), and that the situation is simply “caused by a difference in methodology across cultural lines, and that my parents are not the sadistic sociopaths that Western parenting philosophy renders them as.” He clearly loves and respects his parents, and confessed that he sometimes “thanks” his parents for the beatings they administer, because it represents “a determination to keep me from going astray.”
That he has been “brainwashed” is the most apparent response. However, I am aware that his parents are both well-educated and highly principled individuals, and I genuinely believe that they do not intend to be cruel. Also, the boy’s conduct and demeanor are strikingly inconsistent with that of a stereotypical victim of child abuse. Though the injuries are horrific, they are not affecting his grades, attendance, or social skills. He is furthermore perfectly aware of how American laws and society would judge his parent’s actions, yet does not feel abused or oppressed in the least.
Is it truly “child abuse” if a perfectly rational teenager does not feel that he is being abused, and agrees with how his parents treat him? I certainly cannot agree with their methods, but to report this case as a classic incidence of child abuse would be an insult to both the intelligence of the boy and an intrusion into his family and culture.
This young man is probably at the top of his class, and is very well-liked and respected by everyone. He definitely has a mind of his own and is fully capable of thinking critically, as he has demonstrated in one year of being my student. I trust his judgment very much, but believe that intervention may be necessary
Best answer:
Answer by MooZoo hates religion
Of course its still child abuse. wtf?
Answer by Gorkbark Porkduke Gefunken Fubar
These are the same people who one day will drive planes into buildings and think nothing of it.
Give your answer to this question below!
Recognizing signs of child abuse – Recognizing signs of child abuse
Sandusky case increases awareness of child abuse signs, reporting requirements
Filed under: signs of child abuse
(NEWS CENTER) — Those who work with victims of child sex abuse say the case of Jerry Sandusky has gotten more people talking about their own obligations when it comes to protecting kids against abuse. Maine has a law mandating people who work with … Read more on WCSH-TV
Parents charged in child abuse case
Filed under: signs of child abuse
Three juveniles Huntsville Police described as "severely abused and showing signs of malnourishment" were taken into the custody of the Alabama Department of Human Resources. Huntsville Police found the abused children at an apartment in the 4000 … Read more on WAFF
Organizations seek training on how to report abuse
Filed under: signs of child abuse
“Particularly since Victory, I know there have been a lot of requests for some training or at least a presentation on child abuse, signs and reporting it,” says Cpl. Greg Smith. In the state of Oklahoma, any person who has reason to believe a child is … Read more on KOKI FOX 23
[wprebay kw=”signs+of+child+abuse” num=”0″ ebcat=”-1″]
[wprebay kw=”signs+of+child+abuse” num=”1″ ebcat=”-1″]
Physical Signs of Child Abuse, 2nd Edition
Physical Signs in Child Abuse is a full-colour, photographic atlas that illustrates all the major forms of abuse and neglect in a unique single volume. It provides a detailed account of the common physical signs seen in abused children and focuses on the visible clinical findings. Each colour photograph is accompanied by a brief caption to guide the reader on borderline clinical signs and case histories are given where appropriate. All the material has been exhaustively revised and expanded from
List Price: $ 115.00
Price: $ 115.00
Physical Signs of Child Abuse: A Colour Atlas
An atlas of the clinical signs of child abuse, both physical and sexual, including differentiated diagnosis. This work presents all clinical photographs within a balanced context to reinforce that clinical signs are only a part of the diagnostic process. Features of the book include: a collection of clinical signs; differential diagnoses, with incidence data and suggested diagnostic tests; guidance on borderline clinical signs where there is suspicion but unclear diagnosis; photographs of bruisi
List Price: $ 115.00
Price: $ 97.26