DEAR ABBY: As I sat on my porch today, I could hear my neighbor beating his children. I called Child Protective Services and reported it.
I have lived here only a few months, Abby, but the child abuser has lived here for about 10 years. Why am I the first person to report it? The other neighbors have certainly heard the screaming, too.
I told the social worker, "It sounds like a leather belt striking the skin." When he asked how I knew what a belt sounds like when it hits skin, I told him that I was abused as a child. For 13 years I was beaten almost daily. No one ever came to my rescue. Our neighbors must have heard my screams, too, but no one did a thing to stop it -- just like the neighbors I have now.
Abby, people must realize that they may be the only ones who can make a difference in a child's life. Children can't stand up to an adult who beats them. Help is available -- and it's just a phone call away. You don't even have to give your name.
I made the phone call because when I was a child I prayed every day for SOMEONE to help me -- but no one ever did. I refuse to allow another child to be treated the way I was. -- GOOD NEIGHBOR IN RENO
DEAR GOOD NEIGHBOR: You were right to speak out. All a person who suspects child abuse and/or neglect has to do is pick up the phone and ask the operator for the phone number of Child Protective Services. One phone call can prevent years of suffering -- and literally make the difference between life and death. Kudos to you.