Domestic Violence at Dad's

[great_ideas]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Indiana

My daughter confided in me something that I have suspected for a long time. Her dad is physically abusing his wife. That is no surprise to me, because I left him for being abusive. His other daughter's mom left him for being abusive, and his past girlfriend left him for being abusive.

I asked my dauhgter if they were just fooling around and "play" hitting. She said no. I asked her what stepmom does when dad starts hitting. Her answer floored me. Stepmom hits him back!

I do not want my daughter to witness this type of abuse. I really don't know what to do. I know that stepmom will deny the abuse. If I say anything to my ex about it our daughter will be severly punished.

Any ideas or suggestions about what I can do legally?

 

[Ohiogal]

Have your daughter talk to a school counselor about it. File for a custody modification.

 

[Rebecca Wise]

get help now

your daughter should absolutely see a counselor. She has been abused too, mentally scarred from the events she has witnessed. Legally, i do not believe that the police will get involved until there is another incident, unfortunately. If and when that happens then SHE should call the police secretly from another room. She is a witness and has been on other occasions.Whether the wife chooses to press charges or not, the dad will be arrested if the officers see him as the aggressor and the DA will go forward with prosecuting him whether or not the wife complies. Possibly both may be arrested and charged depending on the severity of the abuse and the circumstances. But the point is that they will get the help they need. Domestic violence affects everyone in the household. it needs to end now. your concern is your daughter and she needs to get out of that environment immediately before she becomes a target of the rage. Best of luck and god bless.