DEAR DEIDRE: MY neighbour is a lovely young woman, who I used to teach 30 years ago.
She has always been a friendly face in the neighbourhood.
Recently, through the local paper, I learned she had been horrifically abused by her stepdad – a man I remember as sullen and difficult. I’m 65 she’s 34.
I feel so awful that as her teacher at the time, I didn’t realise what was happening and didn’t help her.
I’d like to be able to help her now, but I’m not sure how to.
It’s not exactly the easiest subject to broach over the garden fence.
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MORE FROM DEAR DEIDRE
DEIDRE SAYS: Do not blame yourself for not picking up on the abuse. You can’t know everything that goes on in people’s homes.
Next time you see her, tell her you realise she’ll have had a tough time with the court case and gently let her know you have been thinking of her.
She may not want to talk openly but may also find being open cathartic.
You can give her my pack Abused As A Child, which explains where she can get support.
