Dear editor:

What happens when you are being abused? Where do you go for help? Who is out there to help?

A person is being abused for years, finally gets tired of it and seeks help. Police are called, the abusee goes to jail, not the abuser. Years later, the abuse continues – what to do? Can’t get help from the police – will go to jail – so no reports are filed.

Finally, child protective services, adult protective services get involved. Visits to the home, psychiatric evaluations. The abuser only wants attention.

Now, the abuse is in the open, happening in front of the witnesses, including children, caught on video; still, the abuse continues without any help or consequences.

It is no wonder that abuse is so widespread and why people don’t report it.

Where’s the help? Where’s the justice? After the abused are maimed or dead, it’s too late for help. Where’s the help?

This is a true story. There are many witnesses to the abuse – children, adults, even police officers. It is appalling that this is allowed to continue.

Where do you go when everyone has failed you? Every episode is worse than the last. Where is the help?

Somebody wake up, take action before someone in this family is seriously injured or dead.

Keith Nikodem
Niles