(TW) Update on my sister's child abuse case

[rebeccagrace.livejournal.com]

Hello VPers.

I wanted to give an update about my nephew's child abuse case. I called child services today to get an update on the case. The person in charge of the investigation told me that they had closed the case due to lack of evidence. I am so, so upset. The person basically told me that I was the only person who had come forward and that everyone else had said that it wasn't that bad, and/or they hadn't seen anything. I was made to feel like I was almost making it up, to cause trouble. The person was like, "Well, no one else has corroborated your story, so..."

I don't know what else I can do, VPers. I tried, and now I feel like I have failed my nephew and it just makes me ill. I am already under so much stress from the whole thing, and then just to be told that there was no case basically because there were no marks or bruises just makes me feel awful. She won't get the help she needs, and my nephew still has to live with her...and...it's awful. I feel like I haven't made the slightest difference. 

Wow, I'm sorry...this kind of turned into a pity party for me, and I didn't mean it that way. I just feel so bad, and scared for my nephew. What more can I possibly do? There is no way on earth I will ever be allowed to see my nephew or niece again after this, so I've lost them...therefore I have lost my ability to protect them and nurture them. I am sad. 

Comments

[rebeccagrace.livejournal.com]

Although I do see where you are coming from...my family does mean a lot to me and I wouldn't want to cut ties with them. My sister, on the other hand, I have already cut ties with, so that is no problem. I just don't want my family to be torn apart. I guess I just need to forget about everything for now, and know that there is nothing more I can do. I guess I'll just testify when her assault trial comes up. Thank you all for all of your help!

[msmoonshade.livejournal.com]

Good for you for testifying. It's perfectly okay to not cut ties with the rest of your family - or even her if you decided to bury the hatchet. Like everyone else in the world I'm no stranger to family drama! (no, really, like some Jerry Springer shit! :p) I have a sister that I don't speak to because she's just trouble and for myself I just don't need it. You do what you think is best. You'll be okay.

[archangelbeth]

It occurs to me... If you will have access to the prosecution lawyer, could you perhaps suggest that s/he suggest (to the Judge) that your sister take Anger Management classes of some kind? It is directly relevant to the assault, but if it worked, it might trickle down to her kids, too.

[knittinggoddess.livejournal.com]

Also, does CPS/the lawyer/anyone else know that the boyfriend is abusive and manipulative? This shouldn't be forgotten in the grand scheme of things.

Not that it would necessarily add weight to the child abuse case; I was often put in the care of my father, who was abusive to my mom.

[rebeccagrace.livejournal.com]

This is a good idea, and I will for sure do that. Thanks!