Dear Abby Urges 2 Readers to Seek Abuse Support and Set Limits With 74-Year-Old Father
Updated
Updated · The Mercury News · May 11
Dear Abby Urges 2 Readers to Seek Abuse Support and Set Limits With 74-Year-Old Father
2 articles · Updated · The Mercury News · May 11
Two letters led Dear Abby to address childhood abuse and elder care, advising one reader from Indiana to seek counseling and support after describing beatings and a sister's rape by a brother.
RAINN was cited as a resource, and Abby said the reader cannot force siblings to change their view but could benefit from counseling for abuse victims.
A second letter came from New Jersey, where a reader said her 74-year-old father has lived with her for 10 years, refuses depression medication and creates constant household tension.
Dear Abby told her to confront him directly, require him to get help or move out by a set date, and seek guidance from a senior center or local Area Agency on Aging.
If one sibling's abuse is denied, is individual therapy enough, or is the entire family system broken?
When an elderly parent refuses help, can ultimatums backfire and worsen their isolation?
Trauma alters our biology, but new research shows resilience. How can we truly unlearn our childhood pain?