Did he have contact with any of
the powerful child abusers in politics, the intelligence service, the police or the church?
Acceptance of at least some violence as the norm in intimate relationships; fear of what the
abusers will do to them or their
children, family members, homes, or pets; loyalty to the
abusers; conviction that the
abusers want to and are trying to stop the violence; determination to solve the problem without outside intervention; economic dependence on the
abusers» incomes; unsuccessful prior attempts to enlist help; distrust of helping agencies; shame; and certainty that those listening do not want to hear the story — it is a
powerful list.