Tough to read, especially for those of us who worked in child protection, I’ve seen far too many of these sorts of cases, abusers hidden behind kind words and the cloak of benevolence. They get caught out eventually…. I can tell you from experience of both training social workers and working in front line child protection (albeit here in the U.K.) - it isn’t a question of ignoring the signs or turning a blind eye, it’s that everyone has a small piece of a puzzle and nobody has the full picture or any idea what the other pieces are, gut feelings and clue-snippets help but they often aren’t enough…. That is scant condolence for someone whose life force is being slowly eroded, but people at the front line genuinely do their best (most of the time).

It is good to read that you came out the other side and sounds like you’re well on your way to resolving some of that damaged inner child with patient love and good self-talk. Keep at it and be sure to seek help as and when you need it. Great story. Even if it is profoundly sad.