Psychiatrist on Marijampole attack: First, I want to see the family

A psychiatrist has asserted that the return of physical punishment would not prevent violent incidents, as aggression breeds aggression. Linas Slušnys, a child and adolescent psychiatrist, explained that while physical punishment might scare a child, it only instills fear of the abuser, not of violence itself. This paradoxical situation can lead children to believe they are protected by their actions, but it doesn't prevent them from acting violently towards others.

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I would very boldly say – first I would like to see the family that raised that aggressive twelve-year-old girl.

Slušnys cited extensive scientific research confirming that physical punishment is ineffective. He stated that such methods do not yield positive results and are therefore pointless. He also cautioned against the public's expectation of completely eradicating violent crimes, noting that children grow up in specific environments that shape their behavior. "I would very boldly say – first I would like to see the family that raised that aggressive twelve-year-old girl," he commented.

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Most likely, the child was not taught the most important values and how to properly handle difficult situations.

He estimated with nearly 70% certainty that the girl's family environment was not conducive to healthy development, both in terms of values and conflict resolution. "Most likely, the child was not taught the most important values and how to properly handle difficult situations. This is no longer just the problem of the girl who committed the violence – we see the consequences of the homework not done by parents or other adults," Slušnys said. He stressed that in such tragic and painful situations, it is crucial to look back at the origins of the problem, often finding that parents need to change their own behavior first.

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This is no longer just the problem of the girl who committed the violence – we see the consequences of the homework not done by parents or other adults.

The psychiatrist further explained that while psychiatrists can help identify and articulate problems, they cannot alter the home environment. He noted that parents sometimes fail to administer prescribed medication to their children, rendering professional help ineffective. "When some people think that psychiatrists will fix everything. Unfortunately, it is not like that. We can help to see the problem, name it and say what should be done, but we cannot change what happens at home," he stated, questioning the purpose of seeking help if parents are unwilling to cooperate.

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When some people think that psychiatrists will fix everything. Unfortunately, it is not like that. We can help to see the problem, name it and say what should be done, but we cannot change what happens at home.