This article describes the events leading to Ethel Mansell killing herself & 2 of her children. Mansell was abused as a child, & her husband was convicted of abusing their children. She did not seem to be mentally ill, but she was afraid of her children becoming abusers, & of her husband seeking revenge. The inadequacies of the social support system are discussed (e.g. the police were aware of accusations of child abuse against the father before he abused his children. (VM)