The Possible Release of Baby P. Mum: Clemency or Irresponsibility?
Friday 11th of October 2013 | Category: Opinion | Written by: Oana ChirilaI went to bed late on Wednesday night with a big dilemma swirling around in my head after I had perused the BBC News on my iPad and came across this article: Baby Peter's mother "can be released" says Parole Board.
Now, I am sure that every mother out there is aware of Baby P.'s case, the huge media coverage it received at the time and the outcome of the case. I am also certain that every mum out there has asked herself rhetorically the obvious questions: "How was this possible to happen in this day and age?", "Who was responsible for this atrocity?" and most importantly, "Why did the mother allow the abuse to take place? What motivated her to be a participant/indifferent onlooker/absent protector of her child?"
I cried bitter, desperate tears over the detailed report of what this innocent baby had suffered at the hands of the adults meant to offer him love and protection. I read accusing and "justifying" articles concerning the mother, numerous comments and opinions on the Facebook page dedicated to Baby P.'s case and memory. But most of all, I racked my brain trying to make sense of the underlying situation, making assumptions of possible scenarios and motivation. You see, now that I have been a mother for almost four years, I understand that raising a child is definitely for the faint of heart. Motherhood equals self-denial, sleepless nights, daily challenges that without the support of a strong network of friends and relatives appear at times insurmontable. I also recognise the fact that a mothering pattern is moulded extensively by example and that the absence of a positive, two-parent upbringing and role models can only lead in later life to a repeat of the abusive blueprint.
But then, a crime was committed. A baby died gratuitously. Were the right lessons learned by both mother and the regulating institutions involved in the case? Who can ensure that they were and who can guarantee that a repeat of the horrific scenario will not happen again? Is releasing the guilty mother(and I'm not assessing her level of guilt here, I am only stating the verdict that was given) a possible act of redemption, the change to a new start, the consequence of deep analysis and assessment or simply a slip of an overloaded justice system? Because if it's the latter, then guess what?
....a crime will most likely to be committed AGAIN. A baby will suffer and needlessly die AGAIN. And lessons will never be learned and responsibility never assumed.
About the author
Oana Chirila
I am a Romanian mum, married to a Greek, living in Northern Ireland. I blog about parenting, our family travels, healthy eating, good books and praiseworthy causes since February 2012.My dream is to eventually make a living from blogging as I truly enjoy writing!share this page with friends and family
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