Speak Up for Zahra....or Someone Like Her

This recent case has been so upsetting to watch unfold especially when it's right in my backyard. How many times do we have to watch kids be hurt, murdered, disappeared?

The thing that really bothers me about this one is that lots of people seem to be coming out of the woodwork to attest for how bad this girl's home life was. Why didn't they speak up then?

On Tara Servatious this week, she was quick (as always) to blame DSS. But the caller on the line with her (a relative to Zahra) said she and others had called DSS multiple times. This relative said when DSS came that Zahra, fearful of her step-mother, always lied and that the step-mother trotted out her song and dance too.

No kidding?

As a student and one-time social work professional, I can tell you that those professionals can only do with PROOF......what they see and are told. They can have tests run, photograph scars and ask countless questions. But if those people being interviewed lie, there isn't much the DSS worker can do.

A kid can't always be expected to be truthful. Especially if they are in fear. But you....if you're an adult.....you MUST be.

If you know a kid is being abused, make the call. Check up on the household. Drop in. If that kid is related to or close to you, bring her to your home to stay with you. Be warm to her mother and tell her you want to help. Do what you can to intervene.

Think it's not your job? You don't want to get in anybody's business? Worried about being nosy?

Think again. It's all of our jobs. Related or not. Nosy or not.

I wonder how many folks are wishing they had been more "nosey" for Zahra right now.

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