Chapter 21 - PARENTING DUNCAN
Duncan’s contact with the baby continued under court supervision after his custodial period.
People hated that when they heard.
They assumed domestic violence should automatically terminate parental rights.
Sometimes it does not.
The court weighed:
His assault on me.
His statements about the pregnancy.
No direct assault on the baby after birth.
Attendance at treatment.
Behavior during supervised visits.
Risk evaluations.
The baby’s welfare.
Contact remained supervised for a long time.
No overnights.
No unsupervised transport.
No contact with me.
Duncan complied.
When the baby became a toddler, they recognized him.
That hurt.
Then I felt guilty for hurting.
Then my therapist told me emotions are not court orders.
Useful.
At one supervised visit, Duncan brought an expensive toy.
The supervisor refused because gifts above agreed limits were not allowed.
He got angry.
Then stopped himself.
“Okay.”
Tiny.
Relevant.
At another, the child spilled juice.
Duncan inhaled sharply.
Then got a towel.
No shouting.
Would he become safe enough for more contact?
Maybe.
Not my decision alone.
Not guaranteed.
His actions over years would matter.
May you like
Forgiveness was not required for safe co-parenting systems.
Distance can be structure, not revenge.
