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Ava Crebs

Ms. Francom

Honors English 11

8 November 2023

The Abusive Mother Down the Hall

Life as a single mother can be difficult, especially during a major pandemic. The stress of

constantly having to care for young children can justifiably bring about many negative emotions.

However, the extent to which the mother’s anger and stress has reached is harming the children.

From an outside perspective, these once casual punishments have turned the neighboring

apartment into a seemingly abusive environment. In this situation, the children’s safety is the

most important matter; therefore, confronting the mother is the best course of action.

Gaining a greater understanding of the circumstances in the mother’s apartment can

highlight the best way to combat this scenario. Approaching the mother as a concerned neighbor

is one possible way to accomplish this. Attempt knocking on the mother’s door the next time

screams are heard from down the hall. If you address the mother with worry concerning the loud

shouts coming from their home instead of automatically accusing her of heinous behaviors, she

is less likely to become defensive and avoid the conversation.

There is also an opportunity to observe the body language of the mother and her children

by talking to the mother during situations possessing possible danger. If the children seem to be

in major distress, or the mother looks highly agitated, you can gain a better picture of the

situation that presents itself. Asking the mother about the children can reveal evidence that either
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supports or opposes your worries. Provided that this does seem to be an extremely unsafe place

for the children, then the authorities or one of the many child abuse hotlines should be contacted.

Assessing the situation before assuming things about the mother is the optimal course of action.

As stated before, the children’s safety is the number one priority. Separating them from a

harmful situation is the main goal. Knowing this, if there is a more efficient way of removing the

children from these dangerous circumstances, do so. Contacting the authorities or CPS

immediately may be better for the situation if you are certain the mother is abusing her children.

Doing what is best for the children and their safety is the ultimate goal.