CAROLYN HAX: Males can be victims of domestic abuse, too

DEAR CAROLYN: Brother has been married for 15 years. Two kids. Sister-in-law has all the control — brother's and kids' schedules, (over)spending, etc. Her often-heinous attitude has all members of her family and his, who support this family however possible, in various levels of exasperation.

He has completely abandoned autonomy because it causes even more grief from her. What can he do to change the situation? He won't consider breaking up the family because of the kids. — Sad but True

Sad but true: From your (admittedly scant) description, the wife sounds like an abuser. If so, then your brother might not be doing his kids any favors.

It also means the families' sideline exasperation, while common, isn't their only recourse; they can get educated.


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