Comments on How often can you help?

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Vogue

The man may be an alcoholic, but it sounds to me as if the woman also has a problem. Is she getting senile?

Not knowing anything about the kinds of social services available in Turkey, it's difficult to suggest anything, but it seems to me one should make an attempt to get some form of outside help...

posted by Nautikos on November 2, 2009 at 7:28 PM | link to this | reply

I myself wouldn't be helping at all. I'd be afraid to get caught in situations like that.

posted by FormerStudentIntern on October 30, 2009 at 5:59 PM | link to this | reply

Vogue
The next time he falls down call the police. They'll take him in the house, see the mess, and before you know it they'll be looked after by social welfare. Well, that's what would happen here.

posted by WileyJohn on October 30, 2009 at 2:40 PM | link to this | reply

I wonder why the woman doesn't just leave, so she could
live in peace on her own. I don't have a lot of sympathy for someone who gets falling down drunk every day. It may be a disease, but there's choice involved. If they're living in such filth more than one of them has a mental illness.

posted by Pat_B on October 30, 2009 at 2:02 PM | link to this | reply

Wow, that's a good question. Specially where you are right now. What are the available resources there? Is there any? And yep, Tap might be right, but I'm not sure I'll had the back to do it! Let alone the nerves!

posted by auslander on October 30, 2009 at 12:49 PM | link to this | reply

These people can't help themselves, Perhaps the
authorities could do something for the dogs. If the guy is real hurt I guess an ambulance call wouldn't hurt. It's just so sad. You will be home soon and can let it go but I feel sorry for your neighbours.

posted by Kabu on October 30, 2009 at 12:21 PM | link to this | reply

the wife has probably lived this way for a long time and maybe he is abusive to her when he is in the house drinking.  I dont think anyone in my neighborhood would do that, they dont even speak when you pass them, so I guess I would let him be.

posted by Lanetay on October 30, 2009 at 7:58 AM | link to this | reply

I think Taps answer serves the best! sam

posted by sam444 on October 30, 2009 at 7:57 AM | link to this | reply

The husband really sounds like he needs all the help - maybe someone can alert Alcoholic Annoymous instead or the concerned authorities.It's quite a predicament even for the neighbours I agree - to help or not to?

posted by shobana on October 30, 2009 at 12:29 AM | link to this | reply

Terrible dilemma.
In this country we would probably notify the police or welfare authorities about this type of thing. Whether they would take action is another matter all together. It's a terrible ethical dilemma for you! It's so difficult just to turn your back and say it's none of my business, but you cannot take responsibility for the roots of the problem: alcoholism and his hateful and callous wife. 

posted by elinjo on October 29, 2009 at 11:47 PM | link to this | reply

Tough situation
It's also risks the backs of the people who help. Perhaps people should say they are not prepared to risk their own backs

posted by Azur on October 29, 2009 at 11:17 PM | link to this | reply

Seventy times seven is the suggested amount.

posted by TAPS. on October 29, 2009 at 10:54 PM | link to this | reply