Overheard cruel threats by neighbour to her child

meritaten

OP - contact someone hun - whether its SS or NSPCC, you MUST make someone listen. That child is being abused.
If you do hear anything which sounds like physical abuse then call the police - they wont do anything about emotional abuse but physical abuse is within thier remit.
you can also contact the school with your concerns - at that age its a primary school and they may already be worried about this child and not have a clue what her homelife is like. you can help them there and they may well contact SS which would certainly not be traced back to you!
Dont just do nothing - because one day you may bitterly regret it.

birduk

This made me think of the latest NSPCC campaign

http://www.nspcc.org.uk/news-and-views/our-campaigns/current-campaigns/dont-wait/dont-wait-campaign_wda88525.html

The Don't wait until you're certain campaign is which urging the public not to ignore that niggling doubt about a child’s safety and to contact the NSPCC if they are worried.

Contact them. You will lose nothing and may gain peace of mind and/or save a child. Please.

alison6692

I agree contact them - I often think my neighbours must think I am dragon the way I shout at mine - did it today when my son bit my daughter. But I hand on heart would rather my neighbours reported me and then have the Health Visitor out - she might even give me some useful tips rather than not report it.

Report it - If there is nothing going on - other than the Mum having a rough time it might be just what she needs to have some extra help and support.

I wouldn't approach her - Just report it.

You could even contact the local health visiting team and say you have concerns - that might be the route I would take but I am not sure if thats the best way.

Good Luck xxx Please let us know how you get on.

somethingsgottogive

Contact social services, and leave it to them to decide if they need to investigate. Don't wait until it's too late, better safe than sorry xx

Penny-Pincher!!

Person_one wrote: »

Just curious, what difference does that make?

Because if its social she could possibly contact the local tenancy officer and maybe there has been trouble in other accommodation.

Becks81

Oh how very sad

Please OP make the call, but remain anonymous. You would have it on your conscience if god forbid anything major happened to her.

Maybe the mother has got a lot on, we won't know the circumstances obviously, but if you have witnessed with your own eyes what you have said then she needs a stern talking to at least.

*hugs* it really is a horrible situation to be in.

Beckyy

Better to be safe than sorry.

Call Social Services, please.

Esoog

Do it, but be prepared to play dumb when she comes banging on your door saying someone has grassed her up and she thinks it's you..

stiltwalker

We all have a responsibility to protect children. The NSPCC website has useful advice and contact numbers.
http://www.nspcc.org.uk/help-and-advice/worried-about-a-child/are-you-worried-hub_wdh72939.html
Please do ask to be anonymous though as I also read the thread here recently about someone who had problems after reporting a problem. They may only be able to say 'a neighbour' rather than 'your neighbour at 53' however that does give you the opportunity to deny all knowledge if asked about it. Please don't let this prevent you from reporting it though as those children may really need your help.

hellokittygal

"Don't think 'What if I'm wrong', think 'What if I'm right'"
Report it please.