Dad’s abusiveness troubles teens
By Dr. Robert Wallace ’Tween 12 and 20 January 18, 2013 3:10PM
Updated: February 21, 2013 6:27AM
Dr. Wallace: My father is a despicable human being. Both my sister and I hate him.
He treats our mother like she is a servant. Not only that, he hits, kicks, slaps and even chokes her regularly for no reason whatsoever. He will fly into a rage if his shoes aren’t shined properly or if his steak isn’t perfectly cooked medium-rare or if his favorite cereal isn’t available.
Mom has been married to this beast for 17 years and all 17 years have been miserable for her.
The only joy in her life is provided by my younger sister and me.
For a long time, we have begged mom to get a divorce from this miserable creature, but she refuses. She doesn’t believe in divorce and said that she married her husband for better or worse, but believe me, there has been no “better” while living with our dad. This man is a well-known professional in our city. That’s one more reason why Mom won’t consider getting away from him.
I know that your column is written for teens and you rarely get involved with divorces, but still I would like your opinion.
Do you believe in divorce? If your answer is yes, it might be the first step in getting our mother to become a free and happy woman.
I’m 16, my sister is 15, and we worry about what will happen to our mother after we are both in college.
The thought of her being alone with this monster frightens us. Our father has little to do with his two daughters, but at least he has never physically abused us. But when he abuses our mother, he emotionally abuses us.
Nameless, Davenport, Iowa
Nameless: Marriage is a sacred union and both partners should do everything they possibly can to keep it together. One partner alone, however, can’t save the marriage.
No one should have to put up with humiliation and constant physical abuse. There are times when a divorce or legal separation is the best option. This may be one of those times.
Write to Dr. Wallace
at rwallace@galesburg.net
