Member-only story
Jill Duggar “His Words Were Like Blows”
Jill Dillard’s memoir Counting the Cost gives many, many examples of toxic, abusive moments.
I’m thinking about one scene in particular after reading a Yahoo news article about the book. She details a frightening encounter she had with her father that gives me chills to think about.
Jill describes meeting with her parents in hopes of some sort of reconciliation. She writes that she said:
“There have been some very hurtful things that have happened, and so we wanted to sort it all out. To have a good discussion together. We love y’all and I know we all hope to be able to restore family relationships very soon…”
Jill goes on to write that while she was talking, her father’s body language changed. She writes that “He was sitting very still, lips tight, eyes locked in a scowl that had been sculpted out of rock.”
It was at this point that her father, Jim Bob, began his assault with the classic DARVO reverse victim tactic:
“You sent me a text message, Jill. You said I was verbally abusing you. I was so offended by that, too. You know in your heart that’s not right. Are you going to apologize for that?” Jim…
