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Number one: stay out of it, never get between a father and son. Number two: stay away from it, do not go over there and stir the pot. Number three: this is nothing new if the siblings say it is no big deal. Apparently mixing it up in the barn is a regular family way of discussing things and it is not going to end any time soon.
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Your husband's siblings might think it's no big deal, but what about your husband? What does he make of his father's behaviour?

If he is concerned there has been a sudden change in his father, or if he has any concerns at all about his mother's welfare, then he needs to take action early on. What you can do to help him is carry out research about advice centres, reporting procedures and social services support in his parents' area so that he has all the information to hand if he wants it. You can also encourage him by being matter of fact and constructive in your approach, keeping your emotions and worry as low key as you humanly can. Emphasise the practical side of the things, the responsibility, the purpose of facing problems and dealing with them. If he feels he's taking useful steps with a point to them, he might be more likely to get on with trying to improve things rather than simply soldier on.

Very worrying for all concerned, I'm sorry for it.
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Do you think FIL is expressing himself with his fists rather than verbally because he's losing his ability to communicate? Or perhaps your husband is "just there" at the time FIL gets mad about something? Is physicality a new means of his expression or has he been physically abusive to others in the past?

Either way, the verbal abuse is bad enough but physical abuse is frightening. I would think it's time for your husband to stop helping FIL. Like NOW.

MIL sounds subservient and not challenging; does FIL bully her too?

Perhaps you could e-mail or write to the other siblings and tell them that your family demands, jobs, etc. are being neglected and you need to spend more time on them. Therefore, your husband will not have the time to help his FIL any more. Let them help out if they think help is needed; then they'll see how violent FIL is.

If you're religious, ask your pastor/priest to talk to your husband as well. If you yourself have family members that would support you, ask them to intervene and express concern to your husband.

If you think it would help, you could ask local police for guidance - they would probably advise that your whole family stay away from FIL.

I'm wondering also if there are any police reports of his having been involved in other physical outbursts in his home town.

Does your FIL get physical with anyone beside your husband?
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