DEAR ABBY: My soon-to-be ex-husband, "Fred," and I are in a custody battle over our 10-year-old daughter, "Jen." A while ago, Fred tried to choke me to death, and Jen confided to me last week that she overheard him say he was going to kill me. I told my attorney and the DA's office. They've asked Jen to swear what she said is true.
Because Jen told, she is now afraid of her father. I want to help my daughter through this traumatic time. Do you think counseling will help her to overcome her fear? -- PROTECTIVE MOM IN MARYLAND
DEAR PROTECTIVE MOM: It's certainly a step in the right direction! However, since Jen's father appears to be volatile, and possibly homicidal, any visits she has with her father should be supervised to ensure that he cannot, in a fit of temper, harm HER. Please discuss this with your lawyer.