Bishop urges better child protection against domestic violence

Published: 2005-12-28

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (CNS) -- Improving the legal and social status of children so as to prevent domestic violence against them is "a slow and painful process," said Bishop Ricardo Ramirez of Las Cruces. In asking for greater public awareness about the dangers of violence against children, Bishop Ramirez said most abuse is done by family members. In the territory covered by the Las Cruces Diocese parents were responsible for the deaths of 10 children from 2001 to August 2005, he said in a pastoral letter. "These deaths occurred at the trusted hands of the same mothers and fathers who cried tears of joy in the delivery room," he said. The bishop's 13-page pastoral letter, titled "Speaking for Those Who Have No Voice," was dated Dec. 7 and made public Dec. 16. It was a follow-up to a 2001 pastoral letter on domestic violence against women. The bishop described the new letter as "the next step in the process of eliminating violence in the home."

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