Dear Worried About Mum

 I am sorry about your Dad.  I know that your whole family has went through a hard time since he died.  You don't have to feel that you are losing your Mum.  You may not agree with her choices and decision, but you should never allow anyone to come between the relationship that you have with her.

 I am sure that your Mum is lonely for a man in her life.  It has been five years.  She probably is torn between feeling that she is betraying the family, and needing to get a life of her own.  I am sorry to hear that your future step-father has hit your Mum.  Physical violence is not acceptable in any relationship.  However, the only thing you can do is approach your mother and tell her how worried you are about her.  It seems that the tension in your family is very thick and that your mother is feeling defensive about her relationship.  You need to let her know that you love her, and all you want is the best for her.  Leave her alone after that, and just be there for her when she needs it.  Don't hesitate to pick up the phone and call the authorities if the physical violence starts up.

 It is hard to accept that parents can make mistakes.  But, they do.  The sad part is that the mistakes that adults make usually affect many people.  My advice to you is to love your Mum, even though you don't think that she is making good judgements at the moment.  She is still your Mum.  Treat her like you would want her to treat you if you were going down a bad road.  Be there for her if the bottom falls out. 

You Are A Good Daughter

Agony Aunt