A parent's attempt to control and isolate their family can result in severe dysfunction between parents and their children, as well as between siblings. Recently a ten-year-old boy Sam* came to the Center as a result of having been sexually abused by his older brother. His mother, Julia*,explained that the children's father was extremely strict. Until recently, the children were home schooled. She went on to explain that her husband would not allow them to have access to the Internet. In addition, the children were not allowed to watch television. The children were not allowed to socialize with any friends. Julia stated that they used to attend local Sunday services until the father "pulled" that away from them, too.

Julia continued to explain that the father was never violent towards her but stated that he was extremely strict with the children. As a result of the escalation of strict isolation, she decided to leave her husband. The father's attempt to control his family by isolating them resulted in overwhelming frustration, anger and secrecy among each family member. This in turn led to serious acting out behaviors involving one sibling perpetrating against another.

When the forensic interviewer asked Julia what Sam knew about being at the Center, she said Sam wanted to tell what happened to him so that his older brother could get some help. After the forensic interview, Sam stated he felt better because he wanted to help his brother by telling what had happened. The secrets were now out in the open for the family to address. Continued involvement in counseling services was strongly encouraged for all the members of the family. By breaking through the barrier of isolation Sam endured along with other family members, Sam made an important step in his recovery process.

* Names and other identifying circumstances have been changed to protect the privacy of children and families.