This post is from my colleague Anamita Gall.
This footage of a 16 year old boy escaping torture and captivity has recently been re-released as his case has come to a close. Kyle Ramirez had been held captive, abused and tortured by his relatives who were his legal guardians. The main reason we are posting this video is to highlight the need for all of us as community members to be aware of what is happening around us, in our neighborhoods, communities and cities. It is also a shining example of a child’s will to live. There are obviously many flaws within our civic structures, which can allow someone like Kyle to slip through the cracks unnoticed. This case is a classic scenario, where one can ask where was his social services caseworker, or where was his CASA or GAL volunteer. However, more importantly, I would like to urge everyone to take away this simple fact that we all can take responsibility for educating ourselves about problems in our community, and take the next steps to becoming engaged community members.
Today, it is easy to feel like we are being constantly bombarded by the news and media which thrive on focusing on the negative. It can be overwhelming for anyone to take in on a daily basis. We have to remember that turning off the TV, or jumping straight from the news homepage to Facebook, doesn’t make the stories go away. These stories don’t happen in faraway countries or even the county over, they take place everywhere, and while it seems impossible a small act can still make a difference. There are many ways to help. GAL and CASA volunteers simply put in the time to look out for a child in need and advocate on their behalf in court. At the Mecklenburg GALA Foundation we are thankful for and proud of all of the GAL volunteers we support who work to make sure there are less horror stories like this in Mecklenburg County.
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