Offers practical answers to extraordinarily complex questions raised by abuse. Provides a checklist of warning signs of domestic abuse.

Domestic violence often seems clear-cut, but some forms of abuse are not as easy to identify as physical abuse. Emotional abuse leaves no visible marks, although its effect on a person's psyche can be just as devastating. Understanding abuse is the first step toward ending an abusive relationship. Enlightening charts, annotated quotes from experts, and real-world examples help young adults identify abuse in relationships with romantic partners, close friends, or family members. This knowledge gives them the tools they need to break free of an unhealthy relationship or help a loved one do the same.

A comprehensive and timely resource for students, activists, educators, and advocates, Domestic Violence and Abuse: A Reference Handbook provides a rich and scholarly assessment of this important social issue while also including stories and profiles for a more personal understanding. Domestic Violence and Abuse: A Reference Handbook provides a thorough review of the most recent research about intimate partner violence. Additionally, a historical review provides readers with a sense of how views on domestic violence have changed over time and how different policies and practices have and have not been successful. Appropriate for readers at the high school level and above, the volume focuses on the scope, extent, and characteristics of domestic violence and offers several unique elements, including profiles of significant individuals, personal stories from advocates, activists and survivors, and a review of controversial issues. The volume also includes a chronology of key events, relevant data and documents, primary source data, and recommended resources.

Domestic violence affects millions of people every year, yet many people don't recognize it when they see it. Those who are aware of a domestic violence situation, whether it is happening to them or a loved one, often don't know how to stop it. This book covers physical abuse as well as other forms of abuse that are harder to spot, such as psychological, emotional, financial, and sexual abuse. Readers will learn how to read the signs that a relationship is abusive, understand the abuser's mindset, and learn strategies for getting free and breaking the cycle of abuse.

This is the only book on the market today that focuses on the entire spectrum of emotional, verbal, sexual, and physical abuse. Written by University of Utah Clinical Associate Professor Elaine Weiss, a survivor, the book goes right to the heart of the reader and changes their perspective on this topic. She paints a clear picture of women who stay in a marriage because of their fierce loyalty and commitment to the sanctity of marriage. Elaine emphasizes the period of time after women leave their abuser and describes in detail what they go on to do with their lives. These are stories of twelve women from various walks of life, including professionals. Each a victim of domestic violence. Each escaped from her abuser. Each reclaimed her dignity, reconstructed her life, rediscovered peace. Every woman who has left an abuserevery woman who has yet to leavewill find encouragement and support in the voices of these women who broke free.

Despite the prevalence of battered women in the medical setting, many physicians fail to correctly identify and refer abused patients. The introductory chapter of this book discusses definitions of domestic violence, issues of power and control, the prevalence of the problem, the effect of domestic violence on the medical system, and reasons why physicians fail to identify abuse. The profile of domestic violence victims is discussed in terms of gender, ethnic and socioeconomic status, age, marital status, personality traits, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disabilities, immigration status, use of alcohol and drugs, family history, relationship variables, and abuse of children. Issues pertaining to abusers discussed here include substance abuse, critical risk factors, dominance of men over women, and secrecy and denial. Recognition of domestic violence can be improved through patient history and demeanor, companion's behavior, direct questioning, routine screening, and physical examination. When abuse is detected, the physician has many avenues for action: referrals to services and shelters, documentation, treatment, counseling, legal services, and follow-up care. Specific legal issues may include mandatory reporting, duty to warn, liability for reporting, and legal options for the patient. The book discusses how the medical community can prepare itself for an optimal response to domestic violence.

Reported incidents of violence between domestic partners has decreased in recent years, but the problem remains a serious issue for society as well as those who still live in abusive relationships. This volume examines the prevalence of domestic violence in America, its causes, and its remedies.