Spilled Milk: Based on a True Story

Brooke spends more and more time with Paul’s mother, Gina, as the two seem to need each other in their lives. Gina encourages Brooke’s passions and listens as Brooke discusses some of her experiences at home. When Gina brings up the possibility of counseling, Brooke laments that her mother refuses to pay for it. Gina suggests a free clinic specifically for survivors of domestic and sexual violence, and when Brooke voices not knowing what domestic violence is, Gina explains it to her. A few weeks later, Gina takes Brooke to a Women’s Crisis Center. There, Brooke meets a counselor named Midge who speaks with soft-hearted honesty. Brooke asks Midge about abuse, and Midge uses a chart to explain emotional abuse, gaslighting, economic abuse (control), and sexual abuse, all of which Brooke realizes she has experienced. Brooke asks Midge what it means if a person “didn’t know they could say no” (158). Midge tells Brooke that sexual contact without consent is abuse, and that doing so with children is abuse no matter what, because children cannot consent. Brooke breaks down in tears, and Midge encourages her to keep the chart and visit again. Over the next few months, Midge helps Brooke open up.