Is there anything I can do to help this woman?!
Question: I work at a convenience store and there is a mildly retarded woman who lives nearby. She comes to the store pretty frequently and she often tells us her problems, whether we want to listen or not. I really feel sorry for her, though, because I know that she is often tormented by kids in her neighborhood. They vandalize her mailbox and they often taunt her when they see her walking down the street. I know that some of the kids involved are a group of brothers who are well-known in the area for making trouble. In fact, they have been kicked out of the store where I work for shoplifting. We often suggest to the woman that she contact the authorities, but she won't do it, because she fears retaliation. And unfortunately, I think she's right to do so. I just wish I could do something, though. I know that her tormentors are only children, but I would really like to hurt the little monsters! Unfortunately, though, that's not an option. Is there any (legal) way I can help her?
Answers: I work at a convenience store and there is a mildly retarded woman who lives nearby. She comes to the store pretty frequently and she often tells us her problems, whether we want to listen or not. I really feel sorry for her, though, because I know that she is often tormented by kids in her neighborhood. They vandalize her mailbox and they often taunt her when they see her walking down the street. I know that some of the kids involved are a group of brothers who are well-known in the area for making trouble. In fact, they have been kicked out of the store where I work for shoplifting. We often suggest to the woman that she contact the authorities, but she won't do it, because she fears retaliation. And unfortunately, I think she's right to do so. I just wish I could do something, though. I know that her tormentors are only children, but I would really like to hurt the little monsters! Unfortunately, though, that's not an option. Is there any (legal) way I can help her?
You sound like a very caring individual. We need more concerned people like you in this world! Here are a few things that come to mind in terms of what you can do on a community level to help out. Do you have a community council? If so, you could bring this important issue to them. What about your local council person (they usually will get involved to assist if they know that there is interest). If not, how about getting some of the people in your neighborhood to form an community alliance that focuses on community safety and enrichment? If enough people get together to help protect your community eventually these little thugs (sorry for that word but couldn't think of better term) will be intimidated because they will no longer have the upper hand. You could also get the police involved on the community level. Also, you can also form a community watch where the police will get involved enough to help you out. In this way, this woman (and all of the decent citizens in the area) can claim back the neighborhood. Hope this helps!
Can someone else contact the authorities on her behalf? If they vandalize her mailbox and have been banned from your store for shoplifting, chances are they have engaged in other so-called petty crimes. And if the little brats really are children, someone needs to talk to their parents and get them involved.