Author Archive

Male Victim of Abuse Breaks Free From Lies

By Dear Abby

DEAR ABBY: I am a male reader who was in a physically and emotionally abusive relationship for a number of years. I believed, as I was told repeatedly, that there was no hope of freeing myself and that I was stuck in that situation for the rest of my life.

I am here today to say THIS IS NOT TRUE. It was just another manipulative lie from my abuser. I broke free, made a new life for myself and I am happy! I’m back in touch with old friends and family I hadn’t been allowed to contact. I now have a healthy, nurturing relationship.

Please, Abby, tell your readers if they are experiencing abuse and feel stuck, to believe in themselves. They can have their lives back. They should reach out and not feel embarrassed. They can make this happen. Please pass along my message. — FREE AT LAST

DEAR FREE: Congratulations on reclaiming your life. As your letter illustrates, partner abuse can happen regardless of gender. Although the focus is usually on women, abuse also happens to men, straight and gay. The abuse can be physical, emotional or both.

An organization I have mentioned in this column before is Stop Abuse For Everyone (SAFE). It’s a support resource for abused individuals, regardless of age, race, gender or sexual orientation. Readers, to learn more about SAFE, visit stopabuseforeveryone.org.

Read the entire article: https://www.uexpress.com/life/dearabby/2023/03/06

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Man’s Family Discovers He’s a Victim of Abuse

By Dear Abby

DEAR ABBY: My adult son is married with a newborn son. I recently learned that he is the victim of spousal abuse. He was keeping it a secret from us, but we found out when authorities became involved. My son loves his wife and wants to make it work. I have no idea how to navigate holidays and special occasions when we will see them. Knowing your adult son is being harmed by his wife, how would you interact with this woman? — UNEASY IN ARIZONA

DEAR UNEASY: Be glad that the fact your daughter-in-law is a spousal abuser is now on record. Before the next holidays, you and your husband should have a talk with your son about why he has tolerated the abuse and what his options are. Is she so out of control that she could hurt the baby in a fit of rage? Are they receiving counseling? Has he spoken to an attorney about this?

A support group your son would find helpful is Stop Abuse for Everyone (stopabuseforeveryone.org). Once he gets in touch, he will realize that he’s far from the only husband who has been battered. He also needs to know you are there for him regardless, so when the holidays roll around, be “cordial” — and keep your eyes open.

Read the entire article: https://www.uexpress.com/life/dearabby/2023/02/15

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Healthy vs unhealthy sibling rivalry and how parents can manage it

By Prapti Upadhayay, 01/27/2023


“…While some level of competition is normal between siblings and can be beneficial for children’s development, excessive rivalry can have negative consequences on their mental and emotional well-being…”


Read the entire article: https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/relationships/healthy-vs-unhealthy-sibling-rivalry-and-how-parents-can-manage-it-101674299018526.html

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How Digital Health Technology Can Combat Elderly Abuse

By HIT Consultant, 02/01/2023


“… One of the most difficult types of abuse to identify has always been elderly abuse. This is the segment of the population that is the most segregated because many just aren’t as mobile as they once were…”


Read the entire article: https://hitconsultant.net/2023/02/01/how-digital-health-technology-can-combat-elderly-abuse/

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How to support strong sibling relationships

By The Post and Courier, 04/10/2022
“…Sibling conflict is not uncommon. Population research studies suggest that half of all children have experienced persistent sibling conflict. Helen Wheeler, Licensed Professional Counselor at The Center for Families, agrees that sibling conflict is something she sees quite often…”

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Overlooked and Underreported: Recognizing and Responding to Elder Abuse in Our Communities

By Wayland E-News, 04/20/2022
“…It is hard to fathom that approximately 1 in 10 older adults experience physical, emotional, sexual, financial, and spiritual abuse. And yet, elder abuse is an issue that often goes unnoticed and unaddressed…”
 

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Violence Against Women Act Expands Services to LGBTQ+ Survivors

By Advocate, 03/17/2022
“… The Violence Against Women Act, reauthorized in the spending bill signed into law Tuesday by President Joe Biden, now for the first time includes a grant program designed to aid LGBTQ+ survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault…”

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Male domestic abuse: Lack of refuges ‘inexplicable’, charity says

By BBC, 03/31/2022
“…Authorities in the Thames Valley have “buried their heads in the sand” when it comes to providing refuges for male victims of domestic violence, it has been claimed. Councils have a legal duty to find emergency housing for victims but there are no refuges for men in the region…”

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