2021

The Older Sister (2021)

SOCIAL / FAMILY UPDATE:

Jane Doe’s mother married Jane Doe’s stepfather. Jane Doe reports that shortly after the marriage, the stepfather was confronted regarding an incident in which he entered the bathroom while Jane Doe was present. Since that time, Jane Doe reports that his behavior has changed significantly. She describes him as acting strangely, spending extended periods of time outside the home, and creating a stressful living environment. Jane Doe processed coping strategies during session and expressed a desire to move out of the home.

FAMILY CONTEXT / BACKGROUND:

Jane Doe reports that her sister currently resides in the home with Jane Doe, their mother, and the stepfather. Jane Doe describes the home environment as highly conflictual. She reports that the stepfather exhibits controlling behavior, disregards boundaries, and frequently directs derogatory and transphobic remarks toward her sister. Jane Doe stated that her sister is on the autism spectrum and is actively attempting to establish independence, including pursuing a career in writing.

01/27/20 – INCIDENT AT HOME:

Jane Doe reported a significant altercation that occurred in the home. She stated that her stepfather was moving cabinets in the garage while her sister’s bag, containing a laptop, flash drive, and writing materials, was placed nearby. Jane Doe reports that the stepfather proceeded without regard for the bag, nearly damaging it. Her sister intervened verbally, expressing concern about her property.

Jane Doe reports that her mother supported the stepfather during the confrontation. The stepfather allegedly made further derogatory remarks toward Jane Doe’s sister regarding her gender identity and responded dismissively when corrected. Jane Doe reported that the situation escalated, resulting in a physical altercation in which the stepfather placed his hands around her sister’s neck and restrained her. Jane Doe stated that her young daughter attempted to intervene but was ignored. The altercation ended when Jane Doe’s mother physically separated them.

Jane Doe reports that her sister feared for her safety during the incident.

POLICE / EMS CONTACT:

Jane Doe reported that her sister contacted law enforcement and was evaluated by emergency medical services. Jane Doe stated that the responding officer discouraged her sister from pursuing charges, indicating that legal consequences could result for both parties due to the earlier spitting incident. Jane Doe reported that the officer’s statements and demeanor caused her sister to feel unsafe and unsupported, and no formal report was filed.

HISTORICAL PATTERN OF CONFLICT:

Jane Doe reported a pattern of prior incidents involving the stepfather, including:

• 2018: Disposal of furniture belonging to Jane Doe’s sister without her consent.

• 2021: Giving away a fireplace intended for Jane Doe’s sister without notifying her.

• Ongoing reports of racist comments made by the stepfather regarding Black and Mexican individuals, despite Jane Doe’s child being of mixed race.

• Repeated disruption of Jane Doe’s sister’s professional Zoom workshops through intentional noise and use of power tools near her room.

CURRENT STATUS:

Jane Doe reports that her sister is engaged in individual therapy, vocational programming, and actively planning for independent living. Jane Doe stated that her mother continues to minimize the sister’s concerns, characterizing her reactions as immature and encouraging her to tolerate the stepfather’s behavior, including his views regarding gender identity.

Jane Doe expressed concern about the emotional impact of the home environment and continues to focus on coping strategies and plans for relocation.

ATTESTATION:

Jane Doe reports that the above information is accurate to the best of her knowledge.

Signed: May 2021