Growing Free: A Manual for Survivors of Domestic Violence

Break the pattern of abuse--safely! Battered women often become so frightened, isolated, and self-doubting that they don't recognize they are being victimized. They may minimize the seriousness of the abuse and make excuses for the abuser. The checklists, questionnaires, and personal stories in Growing Free can provide the shock of recognition they need to be able to say, "This is wrong. It has to end." Combining psychological insight with practical safety information, Growing Free helps the reader to understand--and end--the vicious cycle of wooing, tension, violence, and remorse that characterizes all levels of domestic violence. It outlines a series of steps abused women can take to ensure their emotional and physical safety. Growing Free offers both practical and psychological resources, including: lists of abusive behaviors from ridiculing family members to physical violence common rationalizations for abuse used by both victims and perpetrator detailed discussions of protection orders and other legal matters detailed preparations and safety precautions that may make leaving less dangerous advice on what to take with you when you leave guidelines for establishing safe relationships in the future Growing Free provides readers with a straightforward, action-oriented approach to the problem of domestic violence. A companion volume available separately, A Therapist's Guide to Growing Free, offers therapists a comprehensive outline of the issues, tasks, and goals involved in treatment with victims and survivors.

Michael Hertica is a licensed marriage and family counselor. He currently works for 1736 Family Crisis Center, a domestic violence and youth shelter program in Redondo Beach, California