Child Abuse Story From
PMW

This child abuse story from PMW was originally posted on November 5, 2005. It was originally received as an e-mail from an elderly woman I've called PMW after a local newspaper article announced the release of my memoir. A conversation with PMW revealed that she had suffered repeated emotional and physical child abuse at the hands of her mother. Once, in a fit of anger, her mother knocked out one of PMW's teeth.

What I found so remarkable about this woman's story was that during our 30 minute conversation, PMW could not bring herself to use the word 'mother'. At 87 years old, the child abuse effects still severely impacted her: She spelled out the word M.O.T.H.E.R. several times, or referred to her mother as "my female parent".

PMW is from Vancouver Island, BC, Canada

Child Abuse Story From PMW:

Dear Ms Barriere:

How fortunate you are to have worked your way out of that childhood! Bravo!

Now in my 87th year, and never having rid myself of the childhood—and following years when she sent the R.C.M.P., postal authorities, hospital supervisor, later the administrator unbelievable letters to detain me, I avoided the subject. It only causes pain.

Her obsession was rather the opposite to your parents' , as she tried to instill that I am "English to the third generation" and whenever I tried her, [she told me] the nurses had sent her home with an Indian child! To most people, that was impossible to believe! But you may be the first person who might.

So, is there any wonder that I learned Indian and Métis history more and more as the true history immerged?

Like you, I was fortunate to have a most understandable husband. My three children knew none of it during their growing years; now can be compassionate. (depending, of course!!)

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References

NOTE: Information pages on this site were based on material from the
Canadian Red Cross RespectED Training Program. Written permission was obtained to use their copyrighted material on this site.

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Child abuse story from PMW was re-formatted June 8, 2015