I was born and raised in Red Deer. However, times have changed.
In the late ’90s, I was taught if you are being bullied, find a trusted adult and get help. From there, help was sought and things were done to protect the victim. That was the way I was raised.
Since returning to Red Deer in January, my eight-year-old daughter has been going through hell. We live in a complex that has many different people from different walks of life.
In our complex, we have a specific family living here. The grandmother has taken on full guardianship of her three grandchildren.
The oldest grandson has been bullying my daughter daily for the past seven months. July has been the worst.
On July 13, he punched my daughter in the face and threatened to kill her.
On July 14, he kicked her in the throat, and today, she has a bruise.
I have spoken to the grandmother, who cries the moment she answers the door, and nothing is done regarding her grandson’s behaviour.
I have contacted the police four times (other parents have contacted them regarding their own children being assaulted). Every time I have contacted the police, they reply the same: “We can’t do anything because he is under the age of 12. We can talk to him, but that’s about it.”
I have even contacted Children’s Services (the police suggested this) and have hit a dead end there, because apparently, they can only deal with children who are being abused by their caregiver.
I have no place left to turn. My child does not feel safe going outside in her own complex.
When she tells the boy she doesn’t want to play with him, he chokes her.
My daughter needs protection. I need help from someone. The people I thought I could count on are refusing to do anything but talk to him.
It’s going to take my daughter being killed or permanently disabled for someone to help us and protect her.
I need help. I need to know what to do when all else fails.
Shannon Beninger, Red Deer