There is no reason why a child must suffer abuse.  The sanctity of a home should be nurturing, filled with love and empowering them to growth in mind, body and spirit.

Children no longer just suffer at home, but in schools at the hands of peers and bullying, online by the predators that we try so hard to protect them from in the "real" world and by people who are considered reliable and trustworthy adults.

Society is trying so hard to tie the hands of the "parent" to the point that discipline is not acceptable so there are no consequences.  Even the Bible tells us not to spoil a child.  However, laws are starting to hold a parent culpable for the actions of their child without offering options on how to control "out of control" situations such as "bullying".  Our children cannot defend themselves because if someone beats them up and they defend themselves they are both thrown out of school even if the one has never been in trouble. I know of a case where the child didn't even defend themselves and just because they were part of the fight was suspended from school.  What kind of message does this send to the children who are obedient to the authority and rules?  Why should they even try when they are punished for good behavior?  The system needs to reassess itself.

 Repeatedly we find the predators thrown directly into the paths of our children at each turn.  The legal system is overflowing with so many criminals that even when proven to be a threat to a child - they are released back into society after their time served.  Even when they themselves admit that they will abuse again!  Sorry but I am willing to go to jail to protect a child from sexual abuse.  Let the chips fall where they may...

People are turning a blind eye to interfering with child abuse because they do not want to be punished for "doing the right thing".  A parent that abuses his/her own child is the one that will take retribution against the one who reports them.  The legal system says that if they are accused then that accuser must face them in court.  But there must come a time when a person must make the decision to make a stand.  If ever there was such a time it should be in the protection of the innocent.  Don't wait or you may live the rest of your life going to sleep at night praying for the child that died because you were their voice that did NOT speak.

  Children are easily intimidated and frightened and are therefore controllable and manipulated by their abusers.  You are a grown up... how easily are you intimidated and manipulated?  Do you stand up to your boss?  To the bad neighbor?  To the ill mannered stranger at the mall, sporting event or theater?  Or do you choose to ignore, walk away or let them have their way to not cause a scene?  Yes to any of those... and you were bullied, intimidated and manipulated... and YOU are a grown-up.  Children have no way of communicating or defending themselves against that kind of person.

VOTE, there are new laws on the books all the time that are changing these events.  ANONYMITY, there are children's services in every community, if you feel threatened place that anonymous call.  INTERVENTION, maybe you can change the situation by determining if it is a frustrated parent who doesn't know how to cope with stress.  AWARENESS, are there changes in your child or a child you are close to?  COMMUNICATION, every child should know they can be open and honest with you regardless of what another child or adult says to them or threatens them with.  EDUCATION, do you know as much about the computer as your child?

 There are methods to help save the life of a child and...

  YOU HAVE TO BE THEIR VOICE.