On the other hand in couples where only one spouse works, they may be unhappy for years, they may hate each other and even tolerate physical abuse, but they can not divorce because at least one of them is 100% dependent on another.

FORBES: Readers Say

Mr Towler told the Sunday Politics Wales he suspects a group of people were protected by each other's power, enabling the abuse to continue in the 1970s and 80s.

BBC: North Wales abuse: Children's commissioner wants inquiry

Being ignored is minor compared to the hostility and emotional abuse many other stepmothers experience, but my sense of failure grew each time I tried to grow closer to my stepdaughter and was rebuffed.

CNN: The plight of stepmoms on Mother's Day