Publisher's Synopsis
Domestic abuse also called "domestic violence" or "intimate partner violence", can be defined as a pattern of behavior in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner. Abuse is physical, sexual, emotional, economic, or psychological actions or threats of actions that influence another person. This includes any behaviors that frighten, intimidate, terrorize, manipulate, hurt, humiliate, blame, injure, or wound someone. Domestic abuse can happen to anyone of any race, age, sexual orientation, religion, or gender. It can occur within a range of relationships including couples who are married, living together or dating. Domestic violence affects people of all socioeconomic backgrounds and education levels.
This is a book for anyone struggling with feelings of guilt and responsibility from an abusive relationship. Ms. Probasco specifically defines what physical, emotional and verbal abuse is and what it looks like through her personal experience. The tone is personal, compassionate and empathetic, as though we are sitting across the table from her discussing personal experiences over coffee. The questions after each chapter are specific in helping identify the issues and providing direction toward help, health and healing. There are Appendices that define the different forms of abuse and how to identify them. Although there are Christian references and prayers offered, the information and solutions are direct, poignant and relative to anyone who has experienced abuse. Personally, reading this book was powerful because I found Ms. Probasco's experience was so relatable. But even if your experience is different, this book does a wonderful job of defining what abuse is, what it looks like and identifying how to heal well. An excellent read, and effective resource for anyone who has experienced or isn't sure if what they are experiencing is abuse.
