Child Abuse

For those who are not too clear about the meaning of this topic, child abuse means any thing done to a child, physically, sexually, or mentally that could cause emotional or psychological damage to that child, temporarily or permanently. 

This could be in the form of beatings, rape, sexual assault, child trafficking, forced child labor or other forms.

In years past, child abuse was a real menace in many homes. This was because many families that needed extra help around the house got housemaids. Unfortunately, most times, these maids were seen more like slaves than helps and treated as such.

But in recent years, child abuse has received a lot of attention from the media, societal organisations, non governmental organisations and even the government. This has made many countries to ban child abuse in any form.

Unfortunately, despite laws in place, you still find people that abuse children on a daily basis even in their homes.

There is this neighbour of mine who has a girl of about twelve years old living with her as a house help.

This girl is constantly beaten by the woman who is supposed to be her guardian.

I have tried to ignore these beatings but I found that I could not. Sometimes the girl's cries as she is being beaten is heard throughout the day. I have taken to including the girl in my prayers. I just hope the woman does not kill her one of these days.

My husband said he would confront her, but I have a dilemma:

First, is the fact that not only is this woman our neighbor, but she has become a good friend of the family. Won't telling her about her actions mar the relationship between us?

Secondly, and more importantly, if we tell her, won't we worsen things for the girl? After all, it is the girl and not we that are living with the woman.

There are many ways to deal with a child that can cause even more emotional and psychological damage than beating. She could even accuse the girl of  having reported to us or something. And of course, make life more miserable for her.

My husband is still planning to confront her and I have no choice but to agree with him since I don't know what else we can do. But still...

Any suggestions would be welcome.

Fatou.