IN response to your letter from S Anderton of Kearsley on Thursday, July 1. How on earth can anyone in today's world agree with the comments made by your writer?

Abuse of children is not only illegal, but also immoral. If you agree to cane/slipper children, what kind of parent does that make you?

I only hope that, if someone knows this so-called parent, they contact the relevant authorities to check these children for bruises, marks, etc. They have no one else to protect them but those who are not afraid to go against the grain of tradition and controversial ideals and issues.

It is everyone's business when a child is being abused. If for no other reason, you will be supporting these children for many years to come, either in prisons, mental health facilities, foster homes or group homes.

If we all took just one step out of our own worlds, our safe places, and became more aware of what is happening around us, then maybe we would see and maybe we would know!

As far as proof -- how much does one need? Do the bruises say nothing to us? The withdrawal of a normally active child doesn't give us a hint? A sexually active or verbal five-year-old seems normal to us?

No, not every child that acts in "unnatural ways" is a victim of abuse. But don't ignore what you see. Don't ever be hesitant to ask. Don't be afraid to care.

It is way past time to wake up people and see what is happening to the children.

D Warton

Ramwells Brow

Bromley Cross