I'm glad that your tennis court friend found you and had someone to share her story with. You told her story well. As a child, I was raised in just such a home and I know exactly what she is talking about when relatives know the truth and choose to look the other way.

No woman should endure abuse and no child should have their childhood stolen by living in fear of the very people who are supposed to love and cherish them.

I'm here to curate your post through @dreemport and I'm glad that I found it!