Dear Abby: Can I publish a book about the abuse I suffered as a child while my abuser is still alive?

DEAR ABBY: As a child, I was verbally and emotionally abused by my only parent. I have written an unpublished book about my experiences. Would it be wrong to publish it while my abuser is alive? I would publish it using my real name. Other names I have changed in my writing.

For the last 15 years, I have not had a relationship with this parent. We live a continent apart. They never reached out even when I battled cancer. I guess I’m still feeling the effects of the conditioning from the abuse. I am 60 now, with a family of my own. My husband of 35 years and our children, as well as a sibling I am very close with, support my publishing the book. My sibling also suffered the same fate. -- SURVIVOR IN THE SOUTH

DEAR SURVIVOR: If you feel it would be cathartic to publish your autobiography, I encourage you to do it. HOWEVER, before doing it, consult an attorney so you can protect yourself should your abusive parent threaten to sue you for publicly unmasking them.

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Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.