Not really AIBU, i know but would appreciate your thoughts.
My youngest DDs best friend (both girls 13) is having massive problems at home and is confiding in my DD who, in turn is telling me about it all and seeking reasurance she is supporting her friend properly. They are best mates at school and see each other at weekends too.
The friend, who i shall call X, lives with her mum, dad and younger brother. Mother is a professional woman involved in social services. Father is a builder. The father has a serious drinking problem and has been violent towards X including chasing the girl with intent to hit her, actually hitting her, pushing her over and mentaly and verbally abusing her. He dotes on his son, however and directs this abuse only at the daughter. The couple row bitterly in front of the children.
The mother chucked the father out about a couple of months ago because of his behaviour. X told my DD she felt happier and safer with him out of the house. He was apparently going to get help with his drinking and anger issues before being allowed back.
About 3 weeks ago DD told me the father was back in the family home. At the same time my DD and X has a falling out caused by X's extreme moodiness. Last week X appologised to DD for behaviour and invited her for a sleepover. During the sleepover X cried all over DD and said she is frightened of her father as he had now begun coming into her room drunk in the night, waking her and sitting on her bed and talking bloody nonsense to her at night. Stroking her hair and telling her how lovely she is. If she shows any sign of not appreciating this attention he gets angry and violent.
The mother and father are rowing again, but it seems to me that X hasnt told her mother about the fathers night visits as she is afraid of making things worse.
I want to help as i am so worried about the little girl. This must be hell for her. I suggested to DD that she tell X to go to the social carers at their school about whats happening at home. The school has a good support network. Not sure if this filtered through though. As far as i know no professional help is being offered to the family. Definately not to X anyway. I am considering saying something to the school myself. Wondering if they could set up a meeting between themselves and X and her mum to help support them.
I have only met the mother once. Only seen the father at a distance.
I have only actualy chatted with X a few times, dropping DD off, picking her up etc, and she cannot stay at ours anymore as she is allergic to cats and we have 2, so i cannot cultivate a relationship with her myself much to try to help :(
What would you do?