ZoeD: I do agree that this story is an extreme case, and does not represent the "average" domestic violence story in America. However, that does not mean it is fiction. Extreme cases do happen, and attempting to judge whose story is true or untrue based on how likely the story is, well, that reasoning seems misplaced.
First of all, why do we need to know if the story is true if it still represents and gives voice to a truth? (When asked whether his stories are true, David Sedaris says, "They're true enough.") Control is a serious, and incredibly common, element of domestic abuse. It may not usually reach the point of total imprisonment, but separating one from their social networks is one of the first and foremost things an abuser will do.
Judging the stories of survivors of domestic abuse is harmful to the cause of spreading awareness. If this story could happen (it could), and there is no legal/judicial reason to prove or disprove the facts of the case, no good will come from questioning it's veracity.
ZoeD: I do agree that this story is an extreme case, and does not represent the "average" domestic violence story in America. However, that does not mean it is fiction. Extreme cases do happen, and attempting to judge whose story is true or untrue based on how likely the story is, well, that reasoning seems misplaced.
First of all, why do we need to know if the story is true if it still represents and gives voice to a truth? (When asked whether his stories are true, David Sedaris says, "They're true enough.") Control is a serious, and incredibly common, element of domestic abuse. It may not usually reach the point of total imprisonment, but separating one from their social networks is one of the first and foremost things an abuser will do.
Judging the stories of survivors of domestic abuse is harmful to the cause of spreading awareness. If this story could happen (it could), and there is no legal/judicial reason to prove or disprove the facts of the case, no good will come from questioning it's veracity.