The terrible news about the second explosion at the New Zealand mine accident has just been broadcast. The 29 miners are now presumed killed, if they had survived this long. My heart goes out to the families - all those wives, girlfriends, children, parents and siblings who will never see their loved one walk through the front door again. I heard the NZ prime minister on the radio, stating his support for the families, and as a token of respect, all government flags will fly at half mast tomorrow, to honor the miners who died.
I totally agree with this action - they should receive honor and respect, and be remembered. But part of me is sad. When will all the children who die from child abuse each year be remembered? When will their short lives be honoured? We have remembrance days for our veterens... what about these children whose lives passed with no-one acknowledging their right to safety, to love? And what about the millions of people around the world trying to recover from the effects of childhood abuse? When do they get recognition for the battle they fight every day to live a normal life?
And when will child protection be taken seriously by governments? when will it be given adequate funding and resources? When will laws be made that protect the child/survivor, and not the perpetrator?
That's my rant for the day.....
