Abusive Families

If an emergency arose where violence erupted in an American city, it would most likely be handled by local police and state law enforcement. If necessary, the President can deploy National Guard troops.

Be there to support my choice, be available for questions, offer advice WHEN ASKED...set an example of a good relationship with each other.

At least 2/3 of all marriages experience domestic violence at least once.

There are literally hundreds of support groups for victims of abuse. Search Yahoo groups, Google, and the Open Directory ( http://dmoz.org ) for relevant links (type the keyword "abuse" in the search dialog box).

Participate in discussions about Abusive Relationships - click on these links:

<A href="http://www.suite101.com/discussions.cfm/npd">http://www.suite101.com/discussions.cfm/npd

<A href="http://www.suite101.com/discussions.cfm/verbal_emotional_abuse">http://www.suite101.com/discussions.cfm/verbal_emotional_abuse

<A href="http://www.suite101.com/discussuions.cfm/spousal_domestic_abuse">http://www.suite101.com/discussuions.cfm/spousal_domestic_abuse

<A href="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Narcissistic_Personality_Disorder/">http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Narcissistic_Personality_Disorder/

<A href="http://groups.msn.com/NARCISSISTICPERSONALITYDISORDER">http://groups.msn.com/NARCISSISTICPERSONALITYDISORDER

Links to Therapist Directories, Psychological Tests, NPD Resources, Support Groups for narcissists and their victims, and Tutorials:

<A href="http://www.suite101.com/links.cfm/npd">http://www.suite101.com/links.cfm/npd

Support groups for victims of narcissists:

<A href="http://dmoz.org/Health/Mental_Health/Disorders/Personality/Narcissistic/Support_Groups/">http://dmoz.org/Health/Mental_Health/Disorders/Personality/Narcissistic/Support_Groups/

Support Groups for Narcissists (not for their victims!)

<A href="http://dmoz.org/Health/Mental_Health/Disorders/Personality/Narcissistic/Support_Groups/For_Narcissists/">http://dmoz.org/Health/Mental_Health/Disorders/Personality/Narcissistic/Support_Groups/For_Narcissists/

• Child abuse (verbal to physical and not sexual) can occur if one or both parents have been brought up in an environment of abusive behavior. It has always been believed that all women (of any age) love children, but this is not true and some wish not to have children for reasons of their own. Doctors discovered a few years ago that women who have given birth may suffer from 'postpartum blues' which is a hormonal imbalance and can cause the mother to become depressed where she may ignore her baby or possibly, in a small percentage of cases harm the baby. Every woman is an individual and while some mothers have the patience of a Saint with their child or children some women can become abusive if they cannot control a baby from constantly crying to a small child that is active and into everything. Sexual abuse by mainly the father (but a small number of mothers have sexually abused their sons) this can often generate down from the environment in which they grew up. Often sexual abuse with a male or female parent goes unnoticed for years and there is no test a doctor can give to tell if a parent may or may not become sexually abusive to their child.

Most causes of domestic violence are misunderstanding. Inability of the couple to understand the point of view of the other. Violence can arise from dishonesty, especially when people feel they are cheated.

* Most victims of abuse just want to leave with the clothes on their back and are not worried about leaving their abuser penniless. The abuser has taken everything from their victim ... their dignity; peace of mind; brain washed them into believing no other man would want them and they are useless and will never make it out in the world on their own; alienated them from their family and friends and controlled all money issues in the relationship. If there are children involved then the best you can hope for is child support and that would have to go through the courts. Victims of abuse generally want no part of their abuser and will do anything to stay completely away. The victim should seek help from Women's Abuse Centers to find a 'safe place' until they can get on their feet. These centers give moral support; programs about victims of abuse; go to court with them; help with any children the victim may have and help them find a job. If you are smart you'll head out the door and never look back and not look for revenge because the abuser always loses in the end ... they hang themselves with their own rope.

1.3 million American Kids runnaway every year.

Do not give the person your account name.

They're jealous that they don't get to num num num on the shaved box...

• Yes, an 18 year old (no longer a minor) can report physical or sexual abuse, but they had better have proof. Yes, the victim can be held responsible for lying to CPS about a prior incident because the victim is no longer a minor, but an adult.

Maybe she would learn to behave next time.

• The law states 'a person is innocent until proven guilty' so unless you can prove they are guilty of an act then there is nothing you can do. If this is personal and not a crime then it is better to walk away from such a person rather than to waste your energy on trying to get them to admit they are innocent. Often people who lie or are deceitful will protect themselves by appearing innocent even though they know they are not.

You need legal counsel to answer this question. It depends on a number of factors - particularly, the circumstances under which he pulled a gun on you. In most states, the laws of deadly force allow the use of lethal force (pointing a firearm at someone, even if you don't shoot them, is considered use of lethal force) in instances where there is an imminent threat of death, maiming injury, or rape.

If you are over 18 you can simply walk away from it by moving to a different location if possible. If you are under 18 then you need to talk to a school counselor, teacher, grandparents, someone you can trust.

I am fairly certain a sibling divorce is not possible because they hold no legal power over you, as your parents would, nor do they hold legal power with you, like a husband or wife would. You should probably talk to your parents, your teachers, or an adult that you trust about your brother.

Doctors are great to confide in until they suggest a counsellar (trust me, I've been through all this before. Counsellars DO NOT help you, no matter what you're told), so perhaps you should try that. It is great that you look out for them, by the way.

Is the sociopath mother on medicine to control her behavior? If not and the sociopath is a danger, then the innocent spouse needs to take legal action to protect himself and the child immediately (contact a lawyer, the county should have some programs to help those who cannot afford one). If the sociopath mother is on medicine, going to counseling and is compliant with her doctor there is not a whole lot you can do. The father will have a better chance in court to get full physical and legal custody.