US EditionDear Abby: Young Child Has Front-Row Seat to Parents’ Abusive Marriage
A reader worries that verbal abuse and parental alienation by the son-in-law are harming a young child and urges intervention to prevent further damage.
- A reader says she is deeply worried about Pat's daughter and granddaughter Mandy, whose mother refuses to leave the marriage to avoid confusing her 3-year-old.
- Abuse and parental alienation explain why the household is unstable, as Pat's son-in-law is described as verbally abusive and practicing parental alienation despite no divorce.
- Dear Abby warns that verbal abuse can escalate to physical harm and urges drawing the line now, citing fears about Mandy's safety, and lists the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 for help.
- Advice shifts to protecting the child and acting rather than hoping others will change, as the columnist urges talking to Pat and reminds readers they cannot change others' behaviour.
- Dear Abby, authored by Abigail Van Buren , provides contact routes at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, California 90069, with possible delays.
15 Articles
15 Articles
Dear Abby: I think my friend should push her daughter to leave an abusive spouse
DEAR ABBY: My best friend “Pat” and I live on opposite sides of the country. I am very concerned about Pat’s daughter and granddaughter, “Mandy.” Pat’s son-in-law is verbally abusive. He calls Pat’s daughter names and tells Mandy that Mommy is bad. Mandy is only 3 and already knows she has to be nice to Daddy so he doesn’t yell at Mommy. Pat’s daughter refuses to leave her marriage until Mandy is older so as not to confuse her. I know this is t…
Dear Abby: Friend’s granddaughter is being raised in a powder keg, but is it my job to intervene?
DEAR ABBY: My best friend “Pat” and I live on opposite sides of the country. I am very concerned about Pat’s daughter and granddaughter, “Mandy.” Pat’s son-in-law is verbally abusive. He calls Pat’s daughter names and tells Mandy that Mommy is bad. Mandy is only 3 and already knows she has to be nice to Daddy so he doesn’t yell at Mommy.
Dear Abby: Young child has front row seat to abusive marriage
DEAR ABBY: My best friend “Pat” and I live on opposite sides of the country. I am very concerned about Pat’s daughter and granddaughter, “Mandy.” Pat’s son-in-law is verbally abusive. He calls Pat’s daughter names and tells Mandy that Mommy is bad. Mandy is only 3 and already knows she has to be nice to Daddy so he doesn’t yell at Mommy.
Dear Abby: How do I encourage my bestie to get her daughter, granddaughter out of an abusive marriage?
DEAR ABBY: My best friend “Pat” and I live on opposite sides of the country. I am very concerned about Pat’s daughter and granddaughter, “Mandy.” Pat’s son-in-law is verbally abusive. He calls Pat’s daughter names and tells Mandy that Mommy is bad. Mandy is only 3 and already knows she has to be nice to Daddy so he doesn’t yell at Mommy.
Dear Abby: Young child has front-row seat to parents’ abusive marriage
DEAR ABBY: My best friend “Pat” and I live on opposite sides of the country. I am very concerned about Pat’s daughter and granddaughter, “Mandy.” Pat’s son-in-law is verbally abusive. He calls Pat’s daughter names and tells Mandy that Mommy is bad. Mandy is only 3 and already knows she has to be nice to Daddy so he doesn’t yell at Mommy.
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