Judy and Becky

This flow traces Judy Manitow's effort to protect her daughter after Joanne's abuse and the damage it causes across two families.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

A Mother's Expectations

A Carefully Managed Family Image and Achievement Judy's household prizes thinness, discipline, and academic success. A Daughter Under Pressure Becky struggles at school and grows increasingly distant from Stacy.

A Tutor Becomes Trusted

Lessons and Friendship Joanne's Help Joanne tutors Becky in mathematics, becoming closely involved in the girl's life. A Trusting Arrangement Judy believes she has placed Becky in safe hands with a longtime friend.

The Discovery

A Betrayal at the Pool Judy Finds Them Judy discovers Joanne and Becky together in a sexual encounter at the pool. A Mother's Choice She protects Becky from public scrutiny but does not report Joanne to the authorities.

A Secret Kept

Protection and Silence No Formal Disclosure Judy and Becky agree not to expose the abuse publicly, believing that secrecy may spare the girl further harm. Lasting Consequences The silence isolates the family and leaves Judy carrying anger and guilt.

A New Beginning

Leaving the Old House A Family Relocation Judy and Robert move to La Jolla, and Becky plans to attend junior college nearby. Staying Close Becky chooses proximity to home, suggesting that recovery still requires her family's support.

Before Joanne's illness

Before Joanne's decline

Before Joanne's death

After the discovery, before Joanne's death

One week before Christmas