How can/do children protect themselves from abusive fathers?
Tell a teacher, counsellor, school nurse, social worker (a professional). They are obligated by law to take the matter further. In most cases of child abuse by fathers the mother of the child is herself being abused and afraid to tell for a myriad of different reasons. Sometimes the abused mothers take out their own pain and anger about being abused on a weaker family member, exactly as the wife batter/abuser does on his wife (and usually children too). And so, down the food chain the abuse goes. For additional information look up Family Systems Theory and pay particular attention to the concept of “Triangling” Triangling refers to alliance systems that change in accordance with the ebb and flow of power structures within the family itself. Look it up, read more. Its great stuff. Chevalier needs to learn about Family Systems Theory because much of what is being discussed is going right over his head. And he’s not alone. He – and those like him – are failing to account for the “why” thi
