Child rights worker describes violence and neglect facing children

A child rights protection worker told LRT.lt that some children live with severe neglect, physical and sexual violence, drug use and manipulation by separating parents.

The employee, who has worked for about 10 years at Lithuania’s State Child Rights Protection and Adoption Service, spoke anonymously. Her name, position and exact workplace were not disclosed.

She recalled visiting a home where goat carcasses lay scattered around, attracting flies and creating a strong smell. The resident explained that the carcasses were used to feed dogs. As the child led the visitors towards his room, he warned them that bricks were falling from above.

“The most painful thing is seeing children who are neglected and abused,” the worker said. She also noted a growing number of cases in which separating parents manipulate their children and involve them in legal proceedings.

Among the cases that affected her most was that of an eight-year-old girl who had been sexually abused by her father. The man was convicted of sexual violence against his daughter and admitted to a psychiatric hospital for treatment. The girl lived with her mother and stepfather, and the family initially received support.

Later, the girl told a school psychologist that she was having suicidal thoughts. A decision was made to take her to a psychiatrist, but her mother refused to accompany her, saying that the girl was talking nonsense.

The girl told the child rights worker that her mother had insulted her and that she was afraid to return home because things would get worse. She said her stepfather hit her on the head whenever he did not like the way she looked at him.

Temporary guardianship was established after the mother failed to take action. Feeling safe in her guardian’s home, the girl disclosed that her stepfather had not only beaten her but had also sexually abused her and threatened to drown her in a pond if she resisted. She also said that he had pursued her into a wooded area and tried to rape her.

The worker said the case showed why people should not ignore signs that a child is suffering. Sudden changes in behaviour, declining school performance, persistent sadness, crying, having no friends or self-harm may indicate that a child is in crisis or experiencing physical, psychological or sexual violence.

She said society had become more empathetic and less tolerant of violence against children, but there was still a lack of assistance for minors who use psychotropic substances or harm themselves.