His absence also allows Starbuck to project away her feelings instead of confronting them. Clifton notes further that Starbuck's status as an adult survivor of child abuse complicates her feelings on these issues.
The fact that he is not present allows Starbuck to emotionally distance herself from the situation rather than confronting it directly. Clifton also points out that Starbuck's position as an adult who has survived child abuse adds complexity to her views on this matter.