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 Sexual Abuse by Stepfather

Andrea Robin Skinner, 58, the daughter of renowned writer Alice Munro, has come forward with a heartbreaking revelation of being sexually abused by her stepfather, Gerald Fremlin, during her childhood. Despite Skinner’s disclosure, Munro chose to remain with her husband, even after learning about his heinous actions.

Skinner recalls the traumatic incident that took place in 1976 when she was just 9 years old and Fremlin sexually assaulted her in Munro’s home in Ontario, Canada. This was only the beginning of a series of disturbing acts that Skinner endured over the years.

Skinner recounts how Fremlin, a cartographer, continued to subject her to inappropriate behavior, including exposing himself, discussing sexual topics with her, and making lewd comments about young girls in the neighborhood. Despite the ongoing abuse, Skinner kept silent, believing she was preventing further harm.

Years later, Skinner confided in her father, Jim Munro, about the abuse, but he failed to take action. Eventually, Skinner wrote a letter to her mother detailing the horrors she had experienced at the hands of her stepfather.

Following the revelation, Munro briefly separated from Fremlin but reconciled with him after he downplayed the accusations and shifted blame onto Skinner. Despite the evidence of Fremlin’s abusive behavior, Munro chose to stand by him, citing her own needs and societal expectations.

The abuse took a toll on Skinner’s physical and mental health, leading to issues like bulimia, insomnia, and migraines. Therapy helped her recover, but her relationship with her mother remained strained.

Skinner’s decision to report the abuse to authorities led to Fremlin’s conviction for “indecently assaulting” her. The aftermath of the legal proceedings caused a rift in Skinner’s family, but she eventually found support from other relatives in her journey to healing.

Despite making amends with most of her family, Skinner never reconciled with Munro, whose fame contributed to the secrecy surrounding the abuse. Skinner’s decision to speak out now is a step towards breaking the silence and revealing the truth about her traumatic past.