Here is an extract from Carrie’s blog Boys will be Boys:

Rick is an only child, as a child, he was very sporty, often the captain of various sports teams, he was often getting into fights at school & known as a troublemaker. He was encouraged by his father to fight like a man. During his parents’ separation, Rick developed a reputation of being a ‘bit of a lad’, with a string of girlfriends who Diane frequently had to console after he had broken their heart, when they’d discovered his infidelity. His father would fist bomb him, declaring his pride.

Rick is manipulative, & he has an aggressive side, which Diane only see’s when she refuses to help him with a debt. So, she’s learnt it’s easiest & safest to just give him what he needs & go without. His father does the same, so he drifts between the two of them, knowing as their only child he can persuade or if necessary, force their hand.

Rick is currently living with Diane, whilst he awaits trial for non-fatal strangulation & coercive controlling behaviour of his former partner. Living with Diane is part of his release conditions. Rick has a long record of being arrested for sexual assaults of colleagues & previous partners, but he has never been charged, cases are dropped with no further action. Leaving Rick feeling he is invincible. Diane has only recently discovered this, during contact with the police. A secret Rick had kept from her for years.

Diane is persuaded by Rick of his innocence, that he is targeted by women, who are attracted to his tall, muscular build, but make ‘false’ accusations when he is unfaithful. Diane believes the narrative that they are doing it as an act of revenge. She believes he is weak when it comes to ‘irresistible’ women who tempt him to stray, just like his father was. He convinces his ‘Mamma Bear’ (his nickname for her) that he is a lover not a fighter & would never ever harm a woman.

Diane has doubts but pushes them away. Deep inside, she wants to believe her son’s innocence, after all if he is guilty, she would blame herself. She is his mother, she raised him & he is her responsibility. She feels ashamed & often asks herself where she went wrong.