Conclusion
These case histories are detailed in this volume in an effort to bring more knowledge of the occurrence of incest to the attention of the general public. For it is only with knowledge and understanding that the problem can be faced.
You should have noticed one thing immediately about the case histories. The misery which invariably resulted. Tom, in case history one, is an inmate of a hospital for the criminally insane for the rest of his life. His mother's sexual deviations brought him there. He murdered her; he must be kept from society. It is said that the only truly happy people in the world are imbeciles. Tom was not, and is not now, an imbecile. He must live with what he has done.
There is a chance for Laura, in case history two.
A slight chance. Can she ever redeem herself from the only life she's ever known? Or will she have to return to having her body used by anyone who can afford a few dollars? If she does reform, she'll probably always have the desire to return to her former life. If she doesn't reform, there is no hope for her. Either way, she has little to look forward to except more misery.
Toni, in case history number three, is totally insane, a condition helped but not totally caused by her seductive father. She may lead the life of the happily unaware. We can only hope so.
In case four, Joan and Jimmy have disappeared from official records. But from what we've read of them, can we ever expect them to lead a normal, happy life?
And finally, Judy and Mike. Their life for the last few years has been a hell. One they made for themselves, granted, but must they be condemned for life?
What we have tried to indicate here is a larger view. By presenting five case histories we want the public to be aware of thousands of life cases, or even millions, which cause misery, humiliation and unhappiness for those involved. Can we any longer sit back and refuse to discuss incest openly? Can we any longer be a part of a society which ignores the problem? The author thinks not.