If Your Child Is Abused - Conclusion

 

Some legal experts advise reporting the abuse to the authorities as soon as possible.  in some lands the legal system may require this.  But in other places the legal system may offer little hope of successful prosecution.

What, though, when the abuser is one's own beloved mate? Sad to say, many women fail to take decisive action.  To be sure, it is never easy to face the ugly reality of a mate who is a child abuser. Emotional ties, and even financial dependency, can be overwhelmingly strong.  The wronged wife may also realize that taking action could cost her husband his family, his job, his reputation.  The hard truth is, though, that he may just be reaping what he has sown.  (Galatians 6:7) Innocent children, on the other hand, stand to lose much more if they are not believed and protected;. Their whole future is at stake.  They do not have the resources that adults have. Trauma can scar them adversely for life.  They are the ones who need and deserve tender treatment.  Compare GENESIS 33:13, 14. 

Parents must therefore make every reasonable effort to protect their children!  Many responsible parents choose to seek out professional help for an abused child. Just as you would with a medical doctor, make sure that any such professional will respect your religious views.  Help your child rebuild his or her shattered self-esteem through  a steady outpouring of parental love.

Next time: Prevention in the Home

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