WOW...what a sad expression, Maria, but super picture...

and your words pick up on the possible cause perfectly, well done, Mrs,  Zy x

ah Maria - addiction's wake is wide and deep - and the effects on children are horrendous - long lasting - scars for life - can make folks stronger - but can completely destroy.

Children are helpless and cannot protect themselves when parents get abusive. It kills the spirit. I see so much of it, I feel so helpless when it happens; that is why I brought it to the fore. Thank you for you kind response, I am glad you didn't mind the starkness of my write.
Blessings and peace.
Mariaxx

Unfortunately, depending on the age of the child, Maria, (though noone should have to persevere with domestic abuse)

it falls on the shoulders of the observers to try to put a stop to such behaviour
for it is not always easy to defend from within the ring (so to speak)....Zy x

Since the child was in another state, I was not aware of the abuse, nor was I able to stop the improprieties. I saw her recently, she does not act like a normal child. My thoughts and prayers go with her. I wonder why parents who do not care for their children, have more then their share? Life is puzzling, isn't it?
Mariaxx

Thank you Storm for the read and reply. No one should experience abuse, hers' were mental and physical. From infancy on, I wonder why the parents who are cruel are not punished. But then, who said life was fair?
Mariaxx

Life is very much puzzling, Maria, as are the powers that be...

children should live a life without suffering abuse of 'any' kind,

then we have to query the abusers, how sick, cold and cruel are they? Zy x

Hey there, Druid Girl,

I read this one earlier and it is an easy second read, Maria,

definately a picture telling a thousand words, well matched

and yes, I wish we could wave a wand for the victims like this,

David

I thank you for caring; 'speaking out for the innocence.' Spanking and beatings are different: making a child care for the babies when she is only three, that is cruelty, plus when parents are stoned and the baby cries, they slam her in a hot car to suffer the consequences. I have heard tell that children are shut in closets, basement, or attic because they were just being a nuisance. Or even molestation of innocence, how horrific it must be for a child who does not comprehend what is happening to them. Thank you Zy and David, I speak out for the silent screamers, "they are the children of a different kind."
Mariaxx