I currently live with my parents. I came home today to find out my dad slapped my mother. she was helping him find some summer clothes and accidentally dropped a suitcase on his toe which caused him to suddenly lash out. he is 67 years old, she is 61. my mum called a DV helpline, which ended up with police at the house and an AVO being taken out. they are scheduled to appear in court in 2 days.
this is not exactly new behaviour on my dad's part, but it's been a while since he has physically attacked her as far as I'm aware. also police/legal action has never been taken before, and I'm both surprised and heartened at my mum mustering the courage to do so. she did the right thing and I think she should have done it sooner given my dad's long-term marital behaviour.
I feel kind of heartbroken and angry and worried all at the same time. mostly angry, which I'm trying to control. I foresee some fallout from this but I can't exactly tell the nature of it. I have been struggling constantly with both my mum and my dad for some time now, ever since they returned permanently from overseas and we've been living together. it's just a mess generally and I worry both for my mum's future and my own. I don't really know what to do but I'm trying to be strong for both of us and lead us out of this.
I just don't know what to do though.