Child Abuse Isn’t Always Hidden

Re “Training Teachers to Spot Abuse,” Aug. 29:

Teachers and society in general need to become advocates for abused children. Abuse occurs frequently in the privacy of their own homes but often in public view.

On a recent hike, my husband and I passed a beautiful home and met a sweet, well-spoken young boy who lived there. He showed us the way to the trail, and as we thanked him we thought how lucky he is to live in such a stunning area in a beautiful home. On our way back, we witnessed his father scream at him, then push and kick him repeatedly as he tried to run away after leaving his bike in the street.

I knew what I was witnessing was wrong, but I convinced myself I could do nothing about it. I now regret not intervening to help the child who helped us find our way.

Dee Anna S. Behle

Dana Point