Comments for After Reporting Ongoing Child Abuse, What Can You Do?

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Jun 06, 2008
 I sincerely wanted to be more helpful...
by: Darlene Barriere - Webmaster

To be perfectly honest, I do not have an answer to your query, as I am not privy to the inner circle of Child Protective Services, or the Children's Aide Society, or any other agencies that would provide support to extended family members in such trying situations such as yours. The fact that you live outside of Canada makes the red tape even stickier. I can only imagine the frustration you are experiencing at the lack of information, and the ongoing fear you have for the well-being of your precious nephew.

As you already know, our child protection system in Canada is "closed" on many levels for a variety of reasons; some that make sense and some that don't. My own queries have gone completely unanswered; but I wanted to post your submission to one, let you know that I've not ignored you, and two, in hopes that another of my visitors who IS in-the-know can provide a reply that can give you some assistance, and thus peace of mind.

You've done EVERYTHING right: You reported the abuse to the appropriate agency; you've tried to rally the family—sadly, but not uncommonly, to no avail; family members all to often support the abusers—you've attempted to follow-up with agencies to ensure the safety of your nephew; you've even gone to counselling to help you and your husband deal with the repercussions of witnessing such abuse.

The reality is we live in a system that protects the rights of parents, even when those "rights" are at the expense of the safety of the child. There is a societal misconception that it is the other way around. I'm praying that one of my visitors can help you further. My heart truly goes out to you, your husband and your beloved nephew.

Darlene Barriere
Violence & Abuse Prevention Educator
Author: On My Own Terms, A Memoir
Jun 09, 2008
 Thanks for the support
by: Aunt of abused child

I appreciate your kind and sympathetic response. Your confirmation of the appropriateness of our actions provides some consolation. Even though it was a little disappointing, it was not unexpected. Thanks especially for responding to a non-Canadian, and posting my question. I remain hopeful that someone will respond with more advice.
Jun 10, 2008
 In response to your reply:
by: Darlene Barriere - Webmaster

I wanted you to know that I reply to Canadians and non-Canadians alike. This is not something I do as a job; what I do on my site is on my own free time. I spend my time trying to help people affected by child abuse, people from all over the world. Child abuse and its effects impact all of us; and as such, I see no borders. But the reality is, sometimes I'm not able to help.

I truly hope there is a way for you to get the information you so desperately seek. If I learn any more that could help you help your nephew, I will comment through this page.

Darlene Barriere
Violence & Abuse Prevention Educator
Author: On My Own Terms, A Memoir
Jun 10, 2008
 To: Aunt of abused child
by: JWC

My comment will not help you with your dilemma, but I want you to know that I am disappointed in the way you've been treated by the agencies in my country. You should not be ignored by the bureaucrats, instead they should be giving you information and support for your nephew. I'm so sorry that my own country won't help you with your nephew's safety.

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Disclaimer: To the best of my knowledge the child abuse
stories on this site are true. While I cannot guarantee
this, I do try to balance the need for the submitter to be
heard and validated with the needs of my visitors.



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