Daughter of famed writer Alice Munro says mom knew stepdad sexually abused her as a kid — and stayed with him anyway

The Daughter of Alice Munro Reveals Childhood Sexual Abuse by Stepfather

Andrea Robin Skinner, the daughter of renowned writer Alice Munro, bravely shares her story of childhood sexual abuse by her stepfather, Gerald Fremlin, in a recent essay. Skinner recounts how at the age of 9, Fremlin assaulted her in Munro’s home in Ontario, Canada, in 1976, marking the beginning of a series of disturbing acts.

Despite Skinner’s disclosure of the abuse to her mother, Munro chose to remain with Fremlin. Over the years, Skinner endured further abuse, including inappropriate behavior and threats from her stepfather. Skinner’s attempts to protect herself went unheeded, and her father, Jim Munro, failed to take action upon learning of the abuse.

Skinner eventually wrote a letter to her mother detailing the abuse she had suffered, but Munro’s response was one of denial and dismissal. Despite a brief separation from Fremlin, Munro ultimately returned to him, prioritizing her own needs over her daughter’s well-being.

Skinner’s journey to recovery was marked by years of therapy and a strained relationship with her mother. The impact of the abuse led to significant physical and mental health issues for Skinner, affecting her education and personal life.

Years later, Skinner took the courageous step of reporting Fremlin to the authorities, leading to his conviction for indecent assault. The aftermath of the conviction further strained Skinner’s relationship with her family, but she found support in reconnecting with relatives who stood by her during her healing process.

Despite the challenges she faced, Skinner never reconciled with her famous mother, choosing to speak out now to shed light on the truth and break the silence surrounding her abuse. Her story serves as a reminder of the importance of speaking up against abuse and seeking justice, even in the face of disbelief and denial.