DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Betancourt, Marian (1997). What to Do When Loves Turns Violent: A Practical Resource for Women in Abusive Relationships.

The first part spells out an action plan to get out of danger and find immediate help. The second part details how to stay safe and regain control over your life. For quick reference, What to Do When Love Turns Violent includes a state-by-state directory of domestic violence hot lines, and a listing of the national organizations devoted to helping victims of domestic violence. There is help out there, and What to Do When Love Turns Violent empowers you to find it and take back your life.

Engel, Beverly (1993). Encouragements for the Emotionally Abused Woman.

For those of us who are or have been emotionally abused, we know how the experience insidiously sabotages our self-esteem. We need to be reminded that the abuse is not our fault. We need to find the motivation to trust our perceptions — and find the courage to change our present reality. Whether we are just beginning to recognize that we are in abusive relationships or whether we have made the decision to break free, this book is here, a consistent reminder of positive growth.

Jones, Ann & Schechter, Susan (1993). When Love Goes Wrong: What to Do When You Can't Do Anything Right.

Millions of women each year find themselves in relationships with controlling or abusive partners and don't know what to do, or even what's wrong. Full of moving first-person stories, When Love Goes Wrong shows women what their options are in or out of the relationship, provides concrete guidance on finding safety and support for themselves and their children, and includes a comprehensive list of agencies offering information or assistance.

Kivel, Paul (1992). Unlearning Violence: A Breakthrough Book for Violent Men and All Those Who Love Them.

Using the unique program at the Oakland Men’s Project in California as a basis, Paul Kivel, one of its founding members, shares an extraordinary approach to stopping male violence. Through exercises, though-provoking questions, and intense self-examination, Unlearning Violence helps men learn new rules and new roles in personal relationships.

Lobel, Kerry (Ed.) (1986). Naming the Violence: Speaking Out About Lesbian Battering.

Sponsored by the Lesbian Task Force of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, this book is "by and for battered lesbians and those who work to support their empowerment." Lobel alternates personal histories with commentary by counselors, activists and others who offer advice on how to treat victims and how to deal with the problem generally.

Ni Carthy, Ginny (1986). Getting Free: You Can End Abuse and Take Back Your Life.

The landmark self-help book on domestic violence, Getting Free describes how women can break the cycle of abuse and begin the process of recovery and healing.

White, Evelyn (1994). Chain, Chain Change: For Black Women in Abusive Relationships

This book offers supportive, practical information for African-American women who are or have been in physically or emotionally abusive relationships. This book provides information on identifying the different aspects of abuse, the effects of domestic violence on the family, the impact of racism and sexism, and suggestions for how to reach out for help and get positive support from emergency agencies, shelters, the legal system, counselors, the church, family and friends.