Child abuse article

Press, 21 January 1982, Page 12

Child abuse article

Sir,—Some demand censorship in the name of protection of the child. Protection from what? From the truth? From knowledge? The evils of incest and of child abuse cannot be combatted by silence. How is a child to fight incestuous or violent family members on his own without the knowledge that he is not alone and that incest, and violence, is wrong and is prohibited by society. Armed with knowledge, a victim can seek help of authorities. teachers and friends. This is not to condone pornography, violence on television and other harmful messages within the reach of children. The point is that such distortions of truth can be fought by the real truth: by sex education and by free dissemination of information. The control of information by the powerful contains the seed of repression Of the weak. Freedom of speech is the lifeblood of our democracy, of which children are part. —

Yours, etc., D. CURRIE. January 19, 1982.

Sir.—l would like to say a word to any of your readers who criticise the child abuse article in "Children's Planet." If the said article saves a single child from the sort of treatment it discusses, it is well worth any ill effects it may cause to the more fortunate children who are not in such desperate situations as those to whom the article is primarily addressed. When those who are not suffering care as much as those who are, the future will be a little brighter.—Yours, etc., MARGARET HUFFENER. January 19, 1982.

Sir,—Reluctantly I respond to the article regarding the C.H.A.P. newspaper and Alan Wilkinson's letter (January 20) to clarify an important point. I have no knowledge of the contents of the C.H.A.P. article on child abuse and. until I do, I cannot comment on whether it is helpful or harmful. I am not surprised that some people think that children can and should read anything; nor am I surprised that others feel par-

ents ought to be as careful about what children put into their minds as they are careful about what goes into their children's stomachs. Since I spend a great deal of time asking children what they think, and since I am aware of the incredible impressionability of young minds, I am careful regarding the quality and accuracy of what my children read and watch on television. I am committed to the discovery and sharing of truth and would be happy to debate with Alan Wilkinson at any time. I chuckle at his implication that I could be one of those religious conservatives that suppress truth. Nothing could be further from the truth.—Yours, etc., PHILIP NEY,

Professor of Psychological Medicine. January 20. 1982.

Sir.—l imagine that Mrs Nihoniho (Working Women's Council) is in favour of warning children against approaches by strangers. Does she wish them to remain unaware of the perils which may come from within the family? I have spent some time talking to physically abused children and am aware that these unfortunates are often convinced that they are responsible for the treatment given by their parents. This can only be due to the shroud of ignorance and secrecy surrounding the subjects of incest and child battering. The child goes through hell and is unable to confide in anyone, remaining unaware that her pain is not unique. The article in the “Children's Planet" will inform battered children that they are not alone in their problem and that it is possible for them to seek help. Do we really want abused children to remain guilty and ignorant as well?—Yours, etc., CAROLE McILROY. Darfield. January 19, 1982.