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Escape from the Dungeon: Jennifer's Survival Story from the Wrath of Anger, Intimidation and Abuse
This is a story of psychological terror brought on by the hands of my mother. I am the second oldest of 16 children and the stories I am about to describe relays what it was like to live under the terror and reign of our mother. The abuse started about 35 years ago in 1970 and who knew there would be 16 direct victims and many other people affected by her manipulations when all was said and done. Hind sight is truly 20/20 and I think if things were handled differently with the 1987 felony child abuse charges in Waukesha County, there wouldn't be this tale to tell today in 2005.
There are two distinct time periods in this story: the 17 years prior to 1987 and the 18 years after 1987. You will find parallels in both sections that I still can't believe today andI was part of the situation from the beginning and a catalyst for this coming to light. What you will see is a very large break in the system but above all, the master manipulation that would rival the greatest minds. By manipulating her children, the social workers, the lawyers, the prosecutors, mom got off with nothing in 1987 when she was facing 18 counts of felony and misdemeanor child abuse charges, $180,000 in fines and 30 years in prison. Her ability to walk away from that without a scar only enabled her psychotic manipulating mind and that allowed mom to abuse again without fear for the next 18 years. It is heartbreaking to live with the fact that these actions have been addressed in the past and she ended up inflicting the same thing on my brothers and sisters as soon as the Department of Social Services stepped out of the situation in the late 80's.
There are two distinct time periods in this story: the 17 years prior to 1987 and the 18 years after 1987. You will find parallels in both sections that I still can't believe today andI was part of the situation from the beginning and a catalyst for this coming to light. What you will see is a very large break in the system but above all, the master manipulation that would rival the greatest minds. By manipulating her children, the social workers, the lawyers, the prosecutors, mom got off with nothing in 1987 when she was facing 18 counts of felony and misdemeanor child abuse charges, $180,000 in fines and 30 years in prison. Her ability to walk away from that without a scar only enabled her psychotic manipulating mind and that allowed mom to abuse again without fear for the next 18 years. It is heartbreaking to live with the fact that these actions have been addressed in the past and she ended up inflicting the same thing on my brothers and sisters as soon as the Department of Social Services stepped out of the situation in the late 80's.
254 pages, Paperback
First published July 27, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
September 2, 2018
This book was very easy to get into. However, it didn't end like that. The abundance of court files were somewhat unnecessary as the book progressed, as it just was a repeat of what was already stated. I ended up skimming through the files as they were distracting and made it very difficult to finish reading the book. Along with grammatical errors, this book was far from the best I've read.
However, I am glad I read this book. Hearing a first hand account of these events really opened my eyes. Furthermore, I picked this book because it took place somewhere close to my home. It really showed me that child abuse is more prevalent than we think, and can even be happening in your neighbor's home. The fact that Jennifer endured what she did for most of her life without anyone stepping in makes me question whether you can always identify child abuse.
Despite hearing about a child thrown naked in the snow, repeatedly hit ad kicked, and overall treated like crap, the most disturbing part of the story was learning that at first, the mother and father behind this all got away with it. This book really shows how legal proceedings are heavily affected by a person's personality. While this was very discouraging for Jennifer, the fact that she moved on with her life and made something of herself was very inspiring. This book made me feel a whole array of emotions, from anger to sadness, but in the end I felt very proud for Jennifer and her siblings. The details in which she described some of the abuse made me feel as if I was actually there and made me feel very connected to the author. Jennifer Stephens, whether intentionally or not, was able to forge a deep connection with her readers. So while the story was far from perfect and had some slow parts, in the end I'm so glad I read her story. I only wish I knew how she and her siblings were doing now, over 13 years later.
However, I am glad I read this book. Hearing a first hand account of these events really opened my eyes. Furthermore, I picked this book because it took place somewhere close to my home. It really showed me that child abuse is more prevalent than we think, and can even be happening in your neighbor's home. The fact that Jennifer endured what she did for most of her life without anyone stepping in makes me question whether you can always identify child abuse.
Despite hearing about a child thrown naked in the snow, repeatedly hit ad kicked, and overall treated like crap, the most disturbing part of the story was learning that at first, the mother and father behind this all got away with it. This book really shows how legal proceedings are heavily affected by a person's personality. While this was very discouraging for Jennifer, the fact that she moved on with her life and made something of herself was very inspiring. This book made me feel a whole array of emotions, from anger to sadness, but in the end I felt very proud for Jennifer and her siblings. The details in which she described some of the abuse made me feel as if I was actually there and made me feel very connected to the author. Jennifer Stephens, whether intentionally or not, was able to forge a deep connection with her readers. So while the story was far from perfect and had some slow parts, in the end I'm so glad I read her story. I only wish I knew how she and her siblings were doing now, over 13 years later.
October 28, 2011
This book is about a New Berlin Family during the 70's & 80's, and a home full of abuse, both verbal and physical.
I recommend people read this, to see what happens right in their own back yard.
I recommend people read this, to see what happens right in their own back yard.
May 17, 2013
amazing story. Could have done without the full court reports
January 11, 2014
This book was interesting as far as the psychology of abuse goes; however, the pace lagged in many instances.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews