I tried to watch “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” and “The Menendez Brothers.” I only managed to get halfway through each, as the story is too triggering for me.

There is a well-known pattern of abuse which begins with sexual abuse at a young age, then changes to severe verbal, physical and emotional abuse. There is another horrible human dynamic which results in two survivors getting involved, without ever discussing their issues. The children of these pairings are in grave danger. Both patterns occurred in my own family.

When abuse occurs, is denied, is buried, is silenced, the process can generate intense rage. Males may turn this rage outward; females may often turn it on themselves. Then the course is set to duplicate the abuse in yet another generation.

Society must do more than merely parrot the idea that not everyone acts out their abuse. Thankfully, this is true. Children need adults outside the family to talk to, as the family dynamic is too strong, and too firmly rooted, for a child to combat on their own.