Thanks, Non-E. I've been doing most of that the best I could for the last 2 1/2 years... and just see the danger growing lately.

The "he" is her brother. The mother simply cannot seem to see the danger. He has been able to physically dominate her (he has hit her a number of times per his sister) for the whole time I've lived here, and she seems incapable of imposing any sort of discipline - rather giving him anything he wants without question. The step father is powerless to do anything since that is the case.

This 16 year old is already on psychotropic medications at high dosage, has gone through several "treatment" plans for anger management, and his behavior becomes more and more unpredictable all the time. He's had two major traffic "accidents" and one serious motorcycle "accident" in the last three months. He's a walking time bomb.

His sister is now forbidden to be home alone with him! Yet it still happens as both parents work. She IS afraid of him, but still loves him as her brother and often denies the problem at all, insisting that he's "better" and everything is ok. This is perfectly understandable, but so very dangerous!

Yet the next time she comes with new bruises and fears. Last time it was a greenstick fracture of her wrist... supposedly done playing volley ball. Hmmmm I was not convinced, though I tried hard to be objective.

She has a key, and she knows that she can come to stay with me at any time of the day or night. I am just terrified that she will deny her danger one time too many...

I've talked to her and I've talked to her mother - more in general terms and making sure they know I'm here for them - but I strongly believe something else is called for soon.

My "guts" are telling me he is a freight train headed straight for this child and I have to do something. :(

And no, I'm not going to involve any "government" entity unless it is impossible to avoid.