My daughter is stuck in an emotionally abusive relationship with an addict

DEAR DEIDRE: EVERY payday, my daughter’s drug addict partner makes her take out cash to pay off his debt to his dealers.

I’m worried sick for her. She’s in a violent and emotionally abusive relationship with a loser, but she’s too scared to report or leave him.

I’m 54 and my daughter is 22. Her partner is 25.

She’s been with him for two years. Although she has a good job, he doesn’t work or claim benefits. 

He has a serious drug habit and is particularly nasty when he needs his next fix.

As he has no way of paying off his debts, he makes my daughter pay the dealers when they turn up at the flat. 

If she objects, he threatens her, saying he’ll tell her boss she uses drugs.

At first, she made excuses for him, but lately she has admitted he abuses her and even beats her.

I’ve told her to go to the police, but she’s terrified. She begged me not to report him, saying that his associates are dangerous.

Please help. I’m worried sick about her. 

DEIDRE SAYS: Your daughter is being controlled and I’m sorry but things are likely to get worse unless she takes action.

I know she’s scared – and you’re scared for her – but she needs professional help.

My support pack on Abusive Partners has information and organisations who can help her escape.

Contact Release (release.org.uk, tel: 020 7324 2989) – a national drug service offering legal advice in relation to drug offences.

You can also contact Adfam (adam.org.uk), which helps families with drug issues.