Warren's Story

[stealthdozer]

Friday, 21 December 2007, 1500L: I walked into the gym, and waved "Hello" to Wayne and Warren, two friends manning the front desk. Wayne is a gregarious, grandfatherly retired fisherman. Warren is a bright young fellow whom dreams of joining the Air Force. I stopped. Warren’s left brow was bruised. There was a gash on the right side of his nose,

Comments

[alaria_lyon]

Thank you for telling him to go to the police. I am sure that they will file a report of abuse and neglect to the child welfare agency (looks like CFS in Maine) but you could as well based on your knowledge of the situation. Given that there is a 12 year old in the house, I would hope they would get involved. You didn't say how old Warren was though, so if he is 18 or older, than the police may not file. Looks like number is 1-800-452-1999. If he is older, please file on behalf of the younger children in the house witnessing the violence, and possibly being victims as well. Have you spoken with Warren about this? If you are going to report it, you will probably want him to know. Given that he went to the police, it sounds like he won't mind.

[stealthdozer]

Thanks for the info. I will call, if just to be confident the information is passed.
Warren turned 18 in October; his five siblings are all minors.
Warren told both the Sergeant and me his father was acting with increasing hostility and apparent mental instability towards Warren’s 17 years old sister. The father is tyrannical and unpredictable towards the entire family, and there has been violence in the past.
I discussed confidentiality with Warren. He said he trusts me to act wisely on his behalf. I rather suspect the only thing that will help Warren and his entire family is if his father receives treatment - anger management perhaps - and that will require a court order.
I'll let Warren know what I'm doing when I see him this morning. He's had enough surprises I think.

[alaria_lyon]

Certainly court mandated anger management is often necessary, but we require anger management all the time as well. The problem is that finding those programs, at least around here, is difficult. Sounds like he may also need a psych evaluation, medication evaluation and counseling.
Sometimes just knowing the state is watching will cut out the more physical violence. Sometimes not. Does Warren have other safe relatives the kids can go to?

Thank you for helping this family :-)

[stealthdozer]

Warren doesn’t seem to have any other family in the area. He’s hoping to join the Air Force and go to Korea to meet his mother’s family one day.

Monday morning Warren told me the Sergeant spoke to Warren’s father that Sunday. Warren’s father is being very nice to everyone. He didn’t kick Warren out.

Warren’s father also told his family that he’d accepted an invitation to spend Christmas elsewhere - away from the family. Warren told me his family greeted this news with relief. They’re planning on watching movies all day. Warren also gave me a Christmas note with a gift certificate to a local restaurant to show his gratitude. I rather wish he hadn't - I know money is tight.

[vickyunleashed]

Bless you for helping your young friend. For the REST of his life, he'll appreciate the help of the fighting knight that is YOU.

[stealthdozer]

Hopefully there will be no fighting. I let Warren know on no uncertain terms that I am not afraid of his father, and that Warren is not betraying me by answering any questions his father may have about me.

[deven_science]

Whoa. Good on you, my friend, that you took the time to go with him. You saw that he needed you more than whatever other plans you had, and what you did (and are doing) for him shows huge greatness of character.

[stealthdozer]

I think Warren showed great courage, & I'm happy to report his family seems better for it.I did not handle myself as well as Warren when it was my turn.

[deven_science]

Damn. I must say, you are a great writer. That piece was beautifully written, despite being painful as well.