Child Custody With Physical Abuse
In cases of child custody with physical abuse, the non-custodial parent, a legal guardian or any responsible adult must ensure that the minor or under aged adolescent is protected. When children present signs of battering, such as bruises, lacerations or broken bones, a responsible adult should step in and alert the proper authorities. Many times, custodial parents, live-in boyfriends, stepparents, or relatives are guilty of mistreating a child in their care. Horror stories abound regarding the abuse of foster and biological children who suffer scars, burns, and blackened eyes at the hands of a parent, relative, or guardian. In extreme cases, youngsters may be subjected to regular beatings, confined to a small space like a caged animal, or deprived of food. Aggravated assault on a minor can result in disfigurement or even death.
How anyone can perpetuate such atrocities upon another human being is unfathomable, but particularly horrendous in cases of child custody with physical abuse. Those who perpetuate such crimes are not only in jeopardy of imprisonment, but also the wrath of God. "At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea" (Matthew 18:1-6).
A youngster in a hostile environment has little recourse for protection. Many times, abuse lasts for several years before perpetrators are apprehended and jailed; but the affects of long term mistreatment can leave physical and mental scars. Battered children often appear sullen, withdrawn, and silent. Some may act out and display aggression towards classmates or siblings. Signs of child custody with physical abuse may include greater absenteeism or truancy from school, or unexplained but frequent accidents. An abusive custodial parent may label the youngster as "clumsy," or explain bumps and bruises by complaining that the child falls a lot or is the victim of sibling rivalry. If a youngster frequently has bandaged hands, fingers or arms, or black eyes; wears clothing to cover bruises; or displays a limp or awkward gait, responsible adults need to inquire if the custodial parent, a live-in boyfriend or girlfriend, an older sibling or another acquaintance is inflicting harm.
To see but look the other way when a little one is being injured is almost unforgivable. If it takes a village to raise a child, it takes that same village of concerned individuals to ensure that children are raised free from harm. When mistreatment is suspected, the first intervention is to alert close family members and teachers in confidence, or to contact local law enforcement and protective services agencies. An astute teacher, a pastor, or a friend's parent may also become aware of changes in behavior or distinct markings that might indicate battering. Blowing the whistle on an abuser, especially the custodial parent or guardian is a sensitive matter. The courts have already awarded guardianship based on the testimony of family, friends or coworkers; therefore to prove child custody with physical abuse requires professional assistance.
Many hospitals and schools employ psychologists trained in interrogating children to assess whether alleged mistreatment is more fact than fiction. By using role playing, stuffed animals, dolls, and drawings, psychologists can glean from a youngster's response whether child custody with physical abuse is evident. Role playing is significant in that minors will usually take either an aggressive or submissive posture. Using puppets or dolls, children can demonstrate an abuser's aggression or tone of conversation. Drawings are also helpful in assessing mistreatment and even in identifying the perpetrator. A drawing may depict incidences of beatings, imprisonment or even rape. What the youngster finds difficult to express verbally may be readily portrayed pictorially. Once authorities have confirmed suspicions and identified the person or persons responsible for harming the little one, an interview with the suspect can be scheduled or a warrant for an arrest issued.
In addition to interviewing suspects in incidents of child custody with physical abuse, law enforcement and protective agencies can issue a court injunction to remove the minor from the home, sometimes immediately. The non-custodial parent should be alerted, and the court may decide to place the child temporarily with another parent or close relative rather than in foster care. The goal is to make the transition from an abusive situation or home, into an environment where the minor can feel safe and secure. If allegations of child custody with physical abuse are proven, criminal charges against the perpetrator may be forthcoming. A judge will determine whether the child will remain with the non-custodial parent or another close family member while a court date is set for the case to go to trial.
In the event the defendant is found guilty, imprisonment, a fine, or both may be imposed. In any case, children who are physically abused should not be returned to the home in which mistreatment took place. Occasionally, authorities misjudge a domestic situation, and minors are placed back into a hostile environment. Unfortunately, some are further injured and some even die at the hands of their attackers. But it is the responsibility of an entire village of parents, teachers, pastors, psychologists, bus drivers, and any other adult within a youngster's immediate area to recognize the signs of child custody with physical abuse and take steps to remove minors from harm.
How anyone can perpetuate such atrocities upon another human being is unfathomable, but particularly horrendous in cases of child custody with physical abuse. Those who perpetuate such crimes are not only in jeopardy of imprisonment, but also the wrath of God. "At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea" (Matthew 18:1-6).
A youngster in a hostile environment has little recourse for protection. Many times, abuse lasts for several years before perpetrators are apprehended and jailed; but the affects of long term mistreatment can leave physical and mental scars. Battered children often appear sullen, withdrawn, and silent. Some may act out and display aggression towards classmates or siblings. Signs of child custody with physical abuse may include greater absenteeism or truancy from school, or unexplained but frequent accidents. An abusive custodial parent may label the youngster as "clumsy," or explain bumps and bruises by complaining that the child falls a lot or is the victim of sibling rivalry. If a youngster frequently has bandaged hands, fingers or arms, or black eyes; wears clothing to cover bruises; or displays a limp or awkward gait, responsible adults need to inquire if the custodial parent, a live-in boyfriend or girlfriend, an older sibling or another acquaintance is inflicting harm.
To see but look the other way when a little one is being injured is almost unforgivable. If it takes a village to raise a child, it takes that same village of concerned individuals to ensure that children are raised free from harm. When mistreatment is suspected, the first intervention is to alert close family members and teachers in confidence, or to contact local law enforcement and protective services agencies. An astute teacher, a pastor, or a friend's parent may also become aware of changes in behavior or distinct markings that might indicate battering. Blowing the whistle on an abuser, especially the custodial parent or guardian is a sensitive matter. The courts have already awarded guardianship based on the testimony of family, friends or coworkers; therefore to prove child custody with physical abuse requires professional assistance.
Many hospitals and schools employ psychologists trained in interrogating children to assess whether alleged mistreatment is more fact than fiction. By using role playing, stuffed animals, dolls, and drawings, psychologists can glean from a youngster's response whether child custody with physical abuse is evident. Role playing is significant in that minors will usually take either an aggressive or submissive posture. Using puppets or dolls, children can demonstrate an abuser's aggression or tone of conversation. Drawings are also helpful in assessing mistreatment and even in identifying the perpetrator. A drawing may depict incidences of beatings, imprisonment or even rape. What the youngster finds difficult to express verbally may be readily portrayed pictorially. Once authorities have confirmed suspicions and identified the person or persons responsible for harming the little one, an interview with the suspect can be scheduled or a warrant for an arrest issued.
In addition to interviewing suspects in incidents of child custody with physical abuse, law enforcement and protective agencies can issue a court injunction to remove the minor from the home, sometimes immediately. The non-custodial parent should be alerted, and the court may decide to place the child temporarily with another parent or close relative rather than in foster care. The goal is to make the transition from an abusive situation or home, into an environment where the minor can feel safe and secure. If allegations of child custody with physical abuse are proven, criminal charges against the perpetrator may be forthcoming. A judge will determine whether the child will remain with the non-custodial parent or another close family member while a court date is set for the case to go to trial.
In the event the defendant is found guilty, imprisonment, a fine, or both may be imposed. In any case, children who are physically abused should not be returned to the home in which mistreatment took place. Occasionally, authorities misjudge a domestic situation, and minors are placed back into a hostile environment. Unfortunately, some are further injured and some even die at the hands of their attackers. But it is the responsibility of an entire village of parents, teachers, pastors, psychologists, bus drivers, and any other adult within a youngster's immediate area to recognize the signs of child custody with physical abuse and take steps to remove minors from harm.
Child Custody With Physical Abuse
![]()
Reviewed by Anonymous
on
11:09 AM
Rating:
