Blue Ribbon Campaign Against Child Abuse to Bring Awareness to the Public
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WARNING!!!
WARNING
This article contains a poem that was written through the eyes of a child that suffered at the hands of abuse. It is explicit, emotional and shocking. These are words that some individuals may find disturbing, offensive or inappropriate. The photos that I have included are the original photos which I received with this particular email. The photos are very disturbing and graphic. Again, individuals may deem these photos to be explicit, offensive, overly graphic and disturbing.
Should you take offense on the subject of child abuse and/or explicitly graphic photographs and details, then do not read further.
If you choose to read this piece of work by the originating author and view the photos, then please reach out and help the children. This cause is known as the Blue Ribbon Against Child Abuse.
I take no credit for this piece. It is borrowed from the original author.
April - National Child Abuse Awareness Month
I know that this article will cause many raised flags due to its content and photographs. With this in mind, I have waited for the right time to publish and today is the day as April is National Child Abuse Awareness Month. April -- a season of new growth, hopes, beginnings. A time for renewal. A time for rejoicing.
As you read this, remember a child is born a trusting soul. A child trusts his mother before he is born, during his birth and after. A child knows no wrongs. A child can do no wrong. A child is innocent.
This begs the question: why and how can we allow this to continue?
BLUE RIBBON AGAINST CHILD ABUSE
My name is Sarah
I am but three,
my eyes are swollen
I cannot see.
I must be stupid,
I must be bad,
what else could have made
my daddy so mad?
I wish I were better,
I wish I weren't ugly,
then maybe my Mommy
would still want to hug me.
I can't speak at all,
I can't do a wrong
or else I'm locked up
all the day long.
When I awake I'm all alone
the house is dark
my folks aren't home.
When my Mommy does come
I'll try and be nice,
so maybe I'll get just
one whipping tonight.
Don't make a sound!
I just heard a car
my daddy is back
from Charlie's Bar.
I hear him curse
my name he calls
I press myself
against the wall.
I try and hide
from his evil eyes
I'm so afraid now
I'm starting to cry.
He finds me weeping
he shouts ugly words,
he says its my fault
that he suffers at work.
He slaps me and hits me
and yells at me more,
I finally get free
and I run for the door.
He's already locked it
and I start to bawl,
he takes me and throws me
against the hard wall.
I fall to the floor
with my bones nearly broken,
and my daddy continues
with more bad words spoken.
'I'm sorry!' I scream
but its now much too late
his face has been twisted
into unimaginable hate.
The hurt and the pain
again and again
oh please God, have mercy!
oh please let it end!
And he finally stops
and heads for the door,
while I lay there motionless
sprawled on the floor.
My name is Sarah
and I am but three,
tonight my daddy
murdered me.
A Call for Help
The following is the request that is made at the end of the poem. In response, my effort to bring awareness is to publish the poem and photos on HubPages, hoping that there will be a readership. A readership that will help in stopping these crimes.
"There are thousands of kids out there just like Sarah. And you can help
It sickens me to my soul, and if you just read this and don't pass it on I pray for your forgiveness, because you would have to be one heartless person to not be affected by this email. And because you are affected, do something about it!! So all I am asking you to do is take some time to send this on and acknowledge that this stuff does happen, and that people like her dad do live in our society, and pray for child abuse to wither out and die, but also pray for the safety of our youth."
A fellow writer, Anna Marie Bowman, has written a insightful and informative hub on recognizing the signs of child abuse. I suggest that you read What is Child Abuse and How to Spot It.
How the Blue Ribbon Began
Child Abuse Awareness Month first began in 1983, but the blue ribbon symbolizing child abuse awareness did not appear until 1989. This is the story behind the blue ribbon. This is a story about Bonnie Finney, a woman who wanted to remember her grandchildren and all children who have suffered from abuse. Bonnie Finney is the one who inspired the blue ribbon child abuse awareness campaign.
Bonnie Finney was a grandmother from Virginia. Her daughter was in a relationship that was riddled with trouble and she suspected heavy drug. Many times, she tried to help her daughter to leave the relationship, and even tried bringing her back home. As in the case of many unhealthy relationships, her daughter continually returned to live with her husband. Bonnie’s daughter had three children during her marriage. The children were 4 years, 3 years and 16 months old.
Michael was Bonnie’s grandson. He was taken from his home after he was admitted to the hospital with several bruises and cigarette burns on his body. He was placed in foster care for three weeks and was then returned home against his wishes. Bonnie never saw her grandson again.
Months later, Bonnie’s youngest granddaughter was admitted to the hospital. She had been severely beaten, her leg was broken in four places and her hand was badly burned. The authorities stepped in and it was then that it was discovered that Michael was missing.
The search for Michael began. Eventually, his little body was found wrapped in a sheet and stuffed into a tool box. He had been killed three months earlier.
Bonnie made a statement: “My grandchildren had suffered and battled so much through their young lives that it sickened me.”
In remembrance of her grandson, Bonnie tied a blue ribbon to her van antenna. The media caught onto her idea, and spread the word. When Bonnie was asked why she chose the color blue, she said “I never intend to forget the battered, bruised bodies of my grandchildren. Bruises are black and then eventually blue. Therefore, blue serves as a constant reminder to me to fight for our children.”
BLUE RIBBON AGAINST CHILD ABUSE – APRIL IS CHILD ABUSE AWARENESS MONTH
Support the cause and join! More information about Blue Ribbon and sites for children services:
- Prevention and Treatment of Child Abuse | Childhelp
Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline (Canada, USA, Peurto Rico, Guam, USA Virgin Islands) and contact information for support and counselling - Parent Help USA - Mothers and Others Against Child Abuse
- Canadian Centre for Child Protection - Home
- ChildFind Canada
- Blue Ribbon Campaign - Child Advocacy Services
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Kimber'ly -- Many people cannot imagine this type of horror. Which is why it goes unspoken of. Many people believe turning a blind eye will somehow make it all disappear. They are so wrong to believe this. I, like you, cannot imagine the force of a rage that could propel one to hurt an innocent child like this. Thank you for voicing your thoughts.
Christina -- Horrific is a perfect word for this. No little child should ever experience fear, pain, or guilt because they are innocent. It is heartbreaking to know that this pain continues for many, many young children who are defenceless and cannot speak up for themselves, and no one is courageous enough to step forward to protect them. Help keep them safe!
Jesus we so need you now bless all the efforts of this group in Jesus name amen
I am the mother of seven girls & three boys. I can not imagine EVER being frustrated, tired, angry or any other reason to strike my children or in any way cause them harm. All I can do is sit here and cry looking at these pictures knowing this child suffered in ways a full grown man couldn't handle. It makes me physically sick to even think someone could do this to another human being let alone a baby. What could a three year old possibly do to invoke this much rage from an adult?
I've never been one to agree with the death penalty. This changed my mind. I could watch the person that was responsible for this burn alive and sleep well the same night.
Omg I cannot imagine all the abuse this little girl went through, these pics horrific :( it mskes you think how msny kids everyday go through this kind of stuff.... :( glad shes safe now......
Amber -- It is extremely difficult to look at these photos, and Sarah's poem touches me in my heart. You can be a voice for a child, or children, who are being abused. See my links and raise your voice against child abuse. Thank you.
A child should only feel the love of their parents and others. Never should they feel pain.
Wow I can not stop crying its so hard to see this. I want to be a voice for a child that is being abused.
I just cannot stop crying...i can't...oh God why these monsters do this to these beautiful children is beyond me...i wish i could just take them into my arms and hold them forever...to give them soooo much love...love always
zaheeda kamrudin bachoo - yes, children are innocent angels. Unfortunately, those who are filled with anger take it out on innocent, defenseless children to fill their need for power. Sad. Very sad.
no CHILD SHOULD EVER BE AFRAID TO SPEAK THIER FEELINGS TO A PARENT....i"M SAD WHEN MOMMY YELLS AT ME
OMG INNOCENT BABYS,M MARRIED FOR PAST 12YRS NW AND I DONT HAVE KIDS AND I ALWAYS KNOW THAT BABY IS LIKE AN ANGEL,ITS REALY HURTS,THIS KIND OF MONSTER SHOULD BURN IN HELL.....!!!
Faron Stetson -- My heart breaks for you. I have heard of many, many terrible accounts of beatings and abuse in foster homes. It sickens me that children are removed from dangerous circumstances in their primary homes only to be placed in another dangerous circumstance that is suppose to provide them safety and shelter.
Thank you for sharing your life with us. It must be difficult to speak of this, yet your truth is what allows us all to realize these atrocities have happened in the past, are happening currently and without public education, will continue to happen in the future.
Your voice is loud and clear. Thank you.
I am a 57 year old male that had bin badly beaten in foster homes in the first three years of my life and was mute and could not talk and know all to well the mental and emotional pain that has this causes some one like me we think it is our fault and that we are responsible for what has happened to us .this can cause a life time of problems in the way we act and respond to life .
MaineWriter -- No child should ever suffer this type of pain. It saddens me that you were abused, but my heart brightens knowing that you are a survivor. Thank you for taking a stand to protect all innocent children.
So sad. As a child who was abused I am taking a stand to see if I can make any head way . I want to ensure generation of children that follow us will have the opportunity to live in a non abusive situation.
Vernonica -- I am positive that you see a lot of abuse in children through your work. There is physical but there is also mental and emotionals abuse. Young children are easy targets for these people because they are not capable of protecting themselves, are easily bullied and are trusting of others. I give you a big THANK YOU for calling and taking the risk of becoming involved with the welfare of this little girl. Many people do not see the signs because they are too tired, too busy and too wrapped up in their own needs. We need more people like you -- ones who care and who are not afraid to speak up for these little children. Thank you!
This is merely just a few photos! Theres tons more cases, more that these little kids are going through that no one notices cause they had a bad day themselves! Its really sad! I worked in a day care, I had a investigation started on a foster parent because there was a burn mark the size of a cigar on her (where I will not put) where NO ONE would see if they don't change her diaper! Turns out the foster mother was investigated and they found a few more children that were being abused, and she was put in jail! There is something WRONG with people that just get thrown in jail because they abuse a child...THEY SHOULD BE KILLED!!!!
whataworld -- You are an inspiration for everyone. You have courage. Strength. Truth. Compassion. Understanding. Thank you for mentioning Guardian ad Litem. You are right -- children do not choose who their family will consist of nor of the people that they meet. They trust without any doubt and are born fearless. They deserve more from us. They deserve to be whole, happy, beautiful, innocent children. Thank you for your voice.
Seeing these children brought back memories of 45 years ago. Worked hard to put it neatly away in a box locked in my brain. Can relate to being beaten from my shoulders to my knees, repeatedly. Then the sexual abuse from the age of 6 to 14. Never got that chance to remember the first time, the first love. On a daily I was told how worthless I was.
Married young and had 3 children by 21. Then cervical cancer right after my last birth. That is when I started fighting for my survival in this world. Became a warrior and a survivor. Made my place highly in the corporate world. Raised and supported my family without any abuse. Was only married one time to one man, till he died. With a lot of soul searching I am at peace.
Feel after knocking on heavens door 2 times, my final calling is to help abused children. Want to protect, hold, and help these children find good homes. The children didn't ask to be born. As a civil society we can no longer bury our heads in the sand.
There is an organization called Guardian ad Litem in every state. Where you become the child's voice in the courts. In my state there are over 21,000 children that are abused and only 7,000 volunteers.
FirstStepsFitness -- These poor babies are trusting us to protect them, keep them safe and yet the trust is broken the moment they are hurt. It hurts deeply to see these photos as well as read the tragic stories. I'm grateful that there are people, like us, who are willing to see and help. Thank you FirstStepsFitness.
I agree Beth The silence must be broken poor babies :( .
Frankiesgirl6yr - I agree that society wants to turn a blind eye to this rather than get involved and take a risk. However, there are supporters, and many are beginning to bring child abuse out into the open. No longer is it a "hush-hush" or taboo-ed subject. We need more people who are outspoken, who are willing to take action to help stop the tragedies. Thank you, for your support and openness. I appreciate your honest outspokenness on the subject.
I read some of the responces to the poem and may are the same from what I have heard before. "Ow my God, I can't look at that it's so sad" "I could only read the first few lines" THIS IS THE PROBLEM! Society feels better not knowing the severity of the issue. It's better things like this are swept under the rug, so we can feel better about ourselves. So wrong! We Have To address this issue, because the fact is, is that child abuse has been on a rise and continues.. These Babies Need Help! So to the people that can't look at this or read another line, instead of "staying away" so your not sad, why not pick up the phone ans donate to org. (not gov. affiliated) or call an association in your area "there are many to choose from" and offer a couple hours of your time, clothes to small for children. These ongs. have even set up volunteer groups online. Doing this, helping, willlead to less heartbreaking pictures and at the same time you may save a life.
Thank you so much for listing this. This is a subject people only "think" they know about, but as you probable know they are so wrong.
General -- You've put it mildly. Thank you my friend.
This is indeed disturbing and bothering, heartless parents... Hayz... Thanks for sharing my dear Beth...
Justine -- You're the best. xoxo
PDH -- It is sad...and I think of all the little children who are alone and crying. This breaks my heart. Thank you, Maita.
Justine -- I do the same: simple logic. So many parents do not realize that children can and do understand logic at a basic level. It works for me, too, and I've been doing this since they were babies. Guess we proved that talking works. :)
your welcome beth. xxoo
Ohma -- It took courage and strength to make that call. I'm very glad that you did as you did the right thing. It is unfortunate that the system doesn't always work in favor of the child or the ones that report the abuse. Somehow, the system needs to be improved to protect the interest of the child. Thank you, Ohma, for making that call and for sharing a part of your life with us.
Oh My goodness, I was reading this and everybody here is sleeping, I was sad and nearly cried, I dont know why some people can do these things Beth, Dear Heart good night, Maita
Justine -- Thank you for understanding me!! This is the second most difficult hub I have written, the first being My Final Good Bye. My heart breaks everytime I came back to write this one and took me many months (as I told Resspencer). The atrocities that the young children, some are babies, that happen to them must stop. Thank you Justine for your support!! xox
Crazd -- Thanks for taking the time to read and leave your thoughts, as I know how busy you are packing. :) I am sure that many preschool teachers see signs and symptoms, and as you have said, you are lucky that you haven't had to report any abuse as a teacher. It is the truth, and it's difficult to accept that people can do this to children.
about discipline, how about talking? how about saying..if you do "this" you will be grounded from the computer. Worked so far for my kids...
this is something Im passionate about. I am really proud of you Beth for writing this.
BrandyBachmann - Discipline is part of ever parents' role, but there are various forms of discipline that doesn't require abuse of any sort. These types should be applied, not what we see here.
Thank-You Beth. I have grandchildren who have been the victims of abuse though not as serious as this. We caught it and made that all so important phone call but I find myself getting frustrated with the systems way of helping that I find myself almost wishing we had not called. Seeing something like this makes me really glad we did, and reaffirms that we did the right thing.
Katee -- Good questions Katee.
Lecie -- Absolutely Lecie. There are many forms of abuse and many times we, as people in general, do not see the signs and symptoms. The saddest part is that children are not able to speak up for themselves and defend themselves. Adults, on the other hand, have the resources to turn to when they are in this situation.
Thank you Lecie, for your insight and supportive comments.
Sambo -- Chrildren are a precious gift, and we must not forget that. As for the ones who inflict abuse, I cannot help but wonder what abuses they themselves suffered to change them to heartless people. Child abuse must end. Thank you, Sambo, for expressing your thoughts and feelings.
OMG Beth, thank you for your courage to publish this. I didn't know about the blue ribbon. You were not kidding when you said the images are painful, but people need to know how bad it really is. It cant be hidden, it cant be shuffled under the carpet. While the image of a physicaly beaten child is heartbreaking beyond words, and clearly physical abuse is a more real danger to a child's life, I just want to add that there are many other kinds of abuse that are equally horrfic, and may not be seen as easily. Thanks again for this hub Beth, it must have been very hard for you to do.
xo
This definitely hit home since I am a Preschool teacher thankfully I have not had to report abuse. That part always scared me because I don't want it to be true but it sadly does happen. Well done Beth in posting everything you have in order to make people aware of what is going on in our screwed up world.
Oh my God! how heartless these people are! i think disciplining a child is also a part of parenting BUT not to the extent of harming the child because of just a little mistake or lashing or blaming it out to the child for all the bad things that the parent/s are experiencing.
May the souls of these little angels find peace, comfort, care and love in Heaven in w/c they haven't felt here on Earth.
Angela -- You are one of many that children need. You give your heart and home to each of the children that come to you for help. Thank you for being there for our little ones. They could use more kind and caring people such as you. :)
Granny's House - These are photos of the children that have suffered, and I, like you, would like justice for these children. At the same time, prevention is the key to end the suffering that other little ones may have to endure. Bless your grandchildren for they, like all children, are precious. Thank you Granny for your thoughts.
Ann - God bless these little souls. They deserve peace. Thank you for your support, especially with this difficult subject.
Sheila B -- The photos are shocking and a testament of what some children have and are suffering through. The Blue Ribbon is a wonderful cause.
Resspencer -- I feel what you feel. I have had this written for 6 months now, and have only mustered the courage to complete my task by publishing it. It took me three months before I could finish reading the poem with the photos. It's stark and the hard truth of what happens in this world. Thank you.
This is horrible. How could a human do this to another human when the human is smaller and defenseless? How can this happen? I am crying tears for children who are suffering. Terrible. Just terrible.
we must all remember to also watch out for all of the other forms of child abuse. such as molestation, neglect, emotional abuse and child endangerment. we must all protect the children who are our future. with abuse like this they will have no future and be unable to create a good one for all of us.
Tears are atreaming down my face as I writes this response. Children are a precious gift and to see this happen to them breaks my heart.
The other unfortunate thing is this bastard will be locked up and get three meals a day,a cot and free medical. Then there is the bleeding hearts of legistlatures who want to make sure prison is a safe place for him.
It all makes me sick.
My heart just broke as I read this. I had to keep the images off my screen as I read the poem. They were just too explicit. I cannot imagine doing that to a child. How much your heart break when they get a scratch, let alone look like that! I am a foster parent, and hope to never have to see one of my kids come to me looking like that. My heart would just bleed for them. If they do, I think it would make it that much harder if they got to go back to their parents. Hopefully in that situation, the child would be allowed to be adopted. I can't imagine someone willing to make that much abuse on a child to be able to just never do that again. Plus, I would feel they need to go to jail for that, seriously, how can you see those small children and strike such abuse.
I have five children. They now have children. What kind of monster could do this. May they burn in HELL!
Lorlie -- My sentiments exactly.
Oh my goodness! I cannot imagine what these poor, innocent babes are going through. It is inhuman. You are right when you said it was graphic but it is eye opening and heart breaking. I cried to think of the literal torture these precious gifts of God go through. May God have mercy on their souls and may we aim to stop it!
God bless you, Beth for spreading the word on such an alarming dilemma!
Reading about child abuse is awful, but seeing these pictures is horrifying. You have made the unimaginable real. And thank you for telling us about the Blue Ribbon Against Child Abuse.
I read only the first few lines, saw the first photos and just scrolled down here because I can't take it. And I was a cop for 25 years. I am sure this is a great and worthwhile hub, I just can't
Dear God let it stop!!!
Beth100 Hub Author 2 weeks ago
Billie Hart -- These little angels who are at the hands of evil could use prayers and a lot of action to protect them. Thank you.