Life Gives Us Many Chances to Start Over Again, Like a Cat With Nine Lives

Sibling abuse is the physical, emotional or sexual abuse of one sibling by another. The physical abuse can range from relatively mild forms of aggression occurring between siblings, such as pushing and shoving, to extremely violent behavior such as the use of weapons.
Research shows that violence between sibling is quite common. In fact, it is probably even more common than child abuse (by parents) or spouse abuse. The most violent member of American families are children. It has been estimated that three children in 100 are dangerously violent toward a brother or sister.
I was very surprised to learn this. I wasn't surprised that children can be violent but at how many children are violent.
We often hear about domestic violence but probably most of us assume that is spousal abuse.
And we hear of child abuse which is typically done by someone older than the child, usually the parent.
If Sibling Abuse occurs in every 3 out of 100 children, why have we not heard more about this?
I am a survivor of sibling abuse. As I've told my story, I have learned there are others like me. I do not claim to be an expert. My goal is simply to make others more aware of abuse issues.
I would like for you to briefly share your story with me. In particular, did you think your siblings behavior toward you was normal or did you think it was abuse?
The information and numbers in this blog were based on an article by Kyla Boyse. It was reviewed and approved by the faculty and staff at the University of Michigan.

Today I entered "Mad Cow" in Google. I watched the video of cows being mistreated, by the company that has just announced the largest beef recall ever.  From there, I was directed to the hsus.org (humane society) where I watched and listed to other stories of animal abuse. I was horrified that so many companies and individuals are driven by profit to the point they willingly and viciously violate the animals in their care. The employees that abused the cows were charged with animal cruelty while the company continues to operate. What is even more alarming is that they distribute their products to schools, federal nutrition programs, and senior centers -  putting our most vulnerable citizens at risk for E coli and mad cow disease. What do you think's the solution  to animal abuse?

One day this week, I watched the Oprah Show. Suze Orman was her guest. The theme of the show was built around a woman whose husband had abused her for years. Three months before he committed suicide, leaving her with tons of debt, no money and young children to feed, he cancelled a $300,000 life insurance policy on his life. She had stayed with him for the typical reasons that most women stay with abusive partners. One of her mistakes was not knowing anything at all about their finances. The life insurance proceeds would have allowed her to maintain her current life style. Cancelling the policy was an abusive act. Abusuive men often kill their wives when they try to leave because they don't want anyone else to have them. In this situation the abuser killed himself but he decided that she would not get any of his money. Afterall, she might just get her life together and find someone who did not abuse her. Even in death he was controlling her.
Years ago I was a life insurance agent. Many people do not realize there is always an owner on the policy. The owner has control. Typically the owner is the one who pays the premium. But I recommend that women make themselves the owners of their partners policy. That way if they divorce or anything else happens, she keeps the policy. Many times when there is a divorce and money is tight, life insurance is allowed to lapse. Women with children are especially vulnerable. In my generation we were taught that husbands take care of their wives. Personally, I think that some men have not done a very good job of this and it is now time for women to learn how to take care of themselves.

Yesterday my sister-in-law was riding in the car with a friend.
They stopped at a light and she happened to look over at the car beside her.
A woman jumped out of the front seat and hopped into the back.
She then unstrapped a car seat, picked it up, and started to shake it violently.
My sister-in-law was outraged. As the light turned green she immediately dialed 911.
They followed the car until a policeman came.  He pulled the other car over.
A police report was made of the incident. I do not know the outcome but
I applauded  my sister-in-law for what she did.
So many times we see abuse but don't want to interfere.
If more people would get involved the cases of abuse would decline.

Webster's dictionary defines abuse as misuse, mistreat, attack with words, improper use, or course and insulting speech.
Based on this definition, abuse is more prevalent than we would like to admit. Abuse can take many forms - child abuse, sibling abuse, animal abuse, elder abuse, rape, domestic violence, drug abuse, human rights abuse, internet abuse - to name a few.
As a survivor of abuse and the author of a soon to be released book on my personal experiences, I created this blog to generate more awareness about abuse. I am not a therapist or mental health professional. The opinions I offer on this site are based on my own life experiences. They are not intended to take the place of advice from a health, legal or other professional whose expertise you might seek.