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There is a song out about a girl who goes to school and meets a new friend. This girl is being physically abused. The teacher notices the bruises on the girls arm, but looks away. When I saw that video for the first time, that scene where the teacher chooses to look the other way is the classic response of our communities.

No one wants to think that their friend is beating on a child. After all, isn't it the Mom's boyfriend who is always the guilty one? No one likes to think that the leader in their community is a child abuser.

What is child abuse? Child abuse can be verbal, mental, physical, and sexual. It is when a child is hurt beyond. Beyond what you may ask? Beyond the point when it is not discipline, but a power trip for the adult. Why else would someone throw a child up against the wall? Why else do three year olds get beaten to death? It is because a parent is trying to show them who is "boss" and they are on a power trip or have lost control.

How can a community take action against such horrific crimes against children?

1. Report any child abuse that you may see first hand. I am not talking about proper discipline like a simple spanking. I am talking about a beating. There is a huge difference.

2. Run interference. Sometimes when a parent is in the store and they begin to verbally abuse their child, if you walk up to them and tell them to take a deep breath, sometimes that will help and sometimes you might get cussed out.

3. Notice the signs of child abuse. If a child is trying to steal food out of a trash container or is stealing other kids' lunches, that is a sign. If a child suddenly becomes violent towards another child, that is a sign. If a child starts acting out his abuse, again that is a sign

We as a community are responsible for our children. As adults, we don't need protection so much, but our little ones do. Keep eyes and ears open. Notice any strangers hanging around parks and school grounds. Report repeated bruising on a child. Let us protect our children.

Learn more about this author, Renee Dawson.
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