Q: My sister's boyfriend is threatening her and is abusive. What can I do to help her get safely out of the situation?
I know my sister is being mentally abused and now I fear it has progressed to physical abuse. I think he is threatening her with hurting the family if she leaves. He is also, we believe, an undiagnosed schizophreniac. What can I do to help her get the help she needs to get rid of him and protect her and her kids (2 of them are his)? Parental rights revoked on him would be nice too!
A: Your sister has to want to leave. If you personally witness any physical abuse, you can call the police. Just know that if you report it and your sister does not want to leave, it could make things worse at home for her and the kids. Until your sister is prepared to leave, there is not much you can do besides talk with her and be supportive. If she is ready to leave, make sure she leaves with the kids. Set up a plan where to go, when to pack, when to leave, etc. This is exactly what domestic violence shelters are for. Another option is for her to file an ex parte against the boyfriend so he has to leave the home and then she can also get paternity action started to keep him away from her and the kids, if possible.
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