Very thorough examination of the case, but I have a couple things I want to say.
Point 1) I can't bring myself to believe that Sylvia started the prostitution rumors. Stephanie's testimony seemed to be full of rubbish. I have a feeling they falsely accused her of a lot of things just to find excuses to punish her.
Point 2) I think Sylvia (and Jenny) didn't seek help when the violence was escalating because, like the children who abused her, they truly believed the punishment was legitimate. I know from personal experience that when you're a child and a "parent" yells at you daily for any small mistake you make, your self-esteem goes south and you start believing everything they tell you; e.g., that you're worthless, pregnant, a slut, etc. You believe that you deserve all the punishment the parent deems necessary. Call it a weak sense of identity, but unfortunately, it's easy to manipulate fragile children who can't fight back, even ones as old as 16.
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