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Josh, Age 10

Recently, a ten-year-old boy named Josh* came to the Center as a result of having been sexually abused by this older brother. The mother 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. The mother stated that they used to attend local Sunday services until the father pulled that away from them too. The mother 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 an escalation of 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.

When the forensic interviewer asked the mother what her child knew about being at the Center, she said he wanted to tell what happened to him so that his older brother could get some help. After the forensic interview, the child stated he felt better because he wanted to help his brother by telling what had happened. The secrets were now out in the open and the family could begin to recover. Continued involvement in counseling services was strongly encouraged for all the members of the family.

Josh's  mother made the decision to stop the brutalization of her younger son when she realized that her overly controlling husband was becoming even more so and that neither child would get help unless she had the strength to make it happen.

 *names and identifying circumstances have been modified to protect the privacy of families

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