Sunday

Concern for a nanny in the neighborhood...

I live near a family with a live-in nanny. The father seems to be gone a lot. The nanny is a young Brazilian girl with broken English. She cleans and watches two young children.   I saw the nanny once with a fat lip and once with a bruise on her cheekbone. Initially, I didn't pay that much attention. I assumed accident and then boyfriend, but she never leaves the household except for errands. On Thursday, the nanny was outside helping get the children in Mom's car when I overheard a conversation where the mother called her a fucking idiot. The entire conversation was humiliating to the nanny who only apologized. The mom started backing up, then through on the brakes and opened the car door and through garbage from the car violently at her. A red bull can hit her in the head. I didn't say anything then. I left the area quickly as it was such an ugly spectacle.  I haven't stopped thinking about her. I am afraid to get involved because I don't want to make things worse for her. Does anyone have any ideas as to how I could approach her in a way that wouldn't cause more problems for her? She seems very subservient to her employers. I live in the Beverly area of Chicago. I have to admit, one of the reasons I am hesitant is because I think she will need a place to go, likely without means or money and I wouldn't be able to accommodate her. She doesn't appear to have any friends or family. Ideas appreciated.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Seriously if you saw her hit her in the head with something you should have called the police. That is assault. They could help get the girl some place safe since the house isn't for her. That mother needs to go to jail and see how it feels.

Angi Martin, nanny of 30yrs said...

You MUST call the cops and Children Services. This is not something to wait on. Not doing so makes you an accessory to the crime essentially. I wouldnt even hesitate. Call right now and save this girls life!!!! The children are also at risk. What would you do or how would you feel if she died because you didnt pick up the phone? I cant understand the mentality of turning a blind eye or even the question of it.

uncle buck said...

I wouldnt get involved.that's the truth. I think its easy to encourage soneone else to stick their neck out on an anonymous post but the reality is we mostly would not get involved. I'd befriend to give her an outlet to vent, but don't push her. N

Anonymous said...

That's the problem with our society today. Don't do sh*+ and then another person or child get seriously injured or killed. It's easy to put your head up your butt and turn the other way but that just makes you just as bad for turning a blind eye.

Sarah said...

Do the right thing... Call the cops.

911 what is your emergency said...

Yes, call the Cops in Chicago. They will run right over when you tell them that two days ago someone threw a coffee cup at someone and called them an idiot.

Angi Martin, nanny of 30yrs said...

UB....I get involved! Ive had to step im a few times. SMDH Hopefully karma doesnt bite you in the ass someday.

Thanks Anon6:12pm....glad to hear there is another person who gets it.

Angi Martin, nanny of 30yrs said...

Its called Suspicion of Abuse and she has several instances of such to warrent a visit. I worked in the field as a volunteer. Your flippant comme t is just one issue with our society.

Anonymous said...

Call 311

Corina said...

Any update?