Welcome to the In Custody forum! This is a place for open discussion about the issues raised in the book, and any related topics that are on people's minds. This forum is moderated; we require that communications here be respectful and that disagreements be raised without being insulting or demeaning to others.
I hope you enjoy reading the book as much as I enjoyed writing it. At the same time, I'm aware that it includes some upsetting scenes and raises some painful realities that are rampant in modern society. Thank you in advance for your willingness to confront this difficult topic. I hope that this forum can contribute to the growth of a community of mutual support among people who are interested in these issues or have lived them directly.
I couldn't put the book down. It captures the confusion, fear, desperation, without even spending much time with the disappeared mother and daughter. So many mothers have No Way Out But One http://nowayoutbutone.com/ when their children are not protected. If they run away, they are hunted down like fleeing slaves, captured, imprisoned. Those who choose to stay are often subjected to the horror of having to force their children into the arms of their abusers every week, or are themselves placed on supervised visits while the abuser has custody. It's Sophie's Choice. http://www.breakingthescience.org/CPTV_BTS_pressrelease.pdf.
Many groups are working to effect change. It is not easy, since the culture is steeped in myth, old-fashioned family hierarchy and taboo against speaking of or believing that children are abused in the family. Denial is strong, but, fortunately, truth is stronger.