Dear Thelma: My abusive parents are tearing our family apart

Growing up in a family where both parents are abusive has taken its toll on the children, especially the eldest one.

I am a 28-year-old woman, and devastated by my family’s issues. I am the eldest child. My three younger brothers are 26, 24 and 18 years old.

My father, being the eldest son in his family, has had to bear a lot of responsibilities. My mother is almost 14 years younger than him.