Child abuse

Press, 10 December 1983, Page 20

Child abuse

Sir,—Your leading article of November 29 on child abuse raises a gloomy issue. It is an old problem, with the physical aspect only one side, but easier to highlight. My years of work in the welfare field have shown huge difficulties. The courts see only the tip of the iceberg, and at best court proceedings are a big gamble. Witnesses, young and old, are unwilling. Child protection teams would reach only a select group. They are interesting developments, but of little practical purpose, in spite of good intentions. The causes, as in all social problems, are multiple. We have a brutal society — on our streets, at sports occasions, at our “demos” and on television — so why not in our homes? Anger is applauded as acting out, and self control bad for the well-being we are told. The tantrum rules. And the basic and final child abuse is in our liberal abortion practice, and few care. — Yours, etc.,, M. LYONS. December 6. 1983.