His dad sat by and let it all unfold before him as if it were an everyday occurrence.

I’m a woman of 26 and my boyfriend is 30. He works hard and we enjoy a quiet life together.

My boyfriend’s family is something else, though. Their life revolves around alcohol and the pub.

If they’re not guzzling boxes of wine at home, they’re blasting out their drunken karaoke at the pub.

I think his parents and his sister are functioning alcoholics. They berate my boyfriend for being too wedded to his job.

They’re jealous but quick to run to him for help when the meter needs topping up or they’ve no money for their precious booze.

Things came to a head before Christmas. They had a huge row with my boyfriend, calling him stuck-up and then his sister, who is 29, assaulted me, saying I was toxic.

We got out of there and he’s since been back for his things and moved in with my parents.

He wants to make it up with his parents but I don’t want anything to do with them. Can our relationship survive if I don’t want to get involved?

DEIDRE SAYS: 

Yes. Why should you be subjected to a physical assault from his family?

Your boyfriend has clearly broken the mould where the family characteristics are concerned.

If he still wants to see them, that’s up to him but you should keep safe and stay away.

Finding some emotional support will help you so approach family-action.org.uk (0808 802 6666) where you can talk in confidence.

This would be a good place to consider whether you want to report your sister-in-law’s assault to the police.

My support pack How To Look After Your Relationship will help too.