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.

Dr. Ludy Green's introduction to the battered women's movement took place when she volunteered in a shelter in Washington, D.C. many years ago. She immediately saw the need to assist victims of abuse and trafficking by placing them in the workforce'her theory being that financial independence would fulcrum these women away from their abusers, by providing them with the necessary skills to earn a living. Through employment a woman can gain her independence, her well-being and her dignity to ultimately distance herself from her abuser. Dr. Green's book is a road map for this journey.

This book is taking a broad health focused approach towards Domestic Violence and Abuse (DVA). It is now well established that DVA exerts a significant and detrimental impact on the health and wellbeing of those who experience abuse. Universally healthcare professionals encounter individuals and families where DVA is or has taken place. This book is beneficial to a range of health care professionals through an exploration of theories and classifications of DVA, consideration of DVA in different contexts and consideration of the core issues surrounding working with individuals and families where DVAhas been identified. It provides a much needed evidence based addition to the existing texts in this field in terms of the inclusion of real life scenarios, reflective exercises and pointers for further practice development. This book is a key point of reference for professionals working within a broad range of health care environments.

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

This training manual synthesizes the clinical and research literature on victims, offenders, and child witnesses, and uses the empirical evidence to provide generalist clinicians with manageable, concrete guidance for providing care in these cases. Each chapter begins with a summary of the issues to be covered and an outline of the specific topics to be discussed, and ends with a recap and list of questions for practitioners in training. The authors offer expertise in forensic psychology, victimization, and substance abuse; they discuss the clinical, legal, and ethical complexities that violence against women brings to the mental health practice environment.

Your journey to healing and wholeness after domestic violence begins here. Domestic violence is about power and control. As a Black woman and a survivor of domestic violence, you have had your power taken away from you against your will. You are not alone, and there are tools you can use to feel whole and in control of your life again. Written by two psychologists and experts in BIPOC mental health, this book will show you how to start healing—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Grounded in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), this compassionate book addresses the unique struggles faced by Black women who have experienced domestic violence. You’ll find practical and empowering skills to help you understand and heal from trauma, leave harmful situations, and regain a sense of safety and freedom. You’ll also learn how to build a safety net, trust yourself—and others—again, and let go of the shame and guilt resulting from your experience. Finally, you’ll discover ways to reclaim your self-worth, set boundaries in your relationships, and make room for self-care in your day-to-day life. If you’re ready to leave—or have already left—an abusive situation, this book can help you heal from the trauma of domestic violence and discover personal freedom in mind, body, and spirit.

Today there are more than five million women and their children are living in a violentrelationship, and this number is increasing as new technology from tracking devices on cell phonesto computer technology allow an abuser to track its' victims every move. Domestic violence and stalking related crimes are being dismissed in a flurry of shuffled divorcedocuments and court orders of protection. You cannot plead with an abuser and walk away frompotentially life threatening situations if you are unable to learn the steps necessary to protect yourself. In this straight forward, clearly written guidebook, veteran violence safety expert Susan MurphyMilano provides victims the tools and support they require to face this debilitating problem andtake the necessary steps to regain control of their lives. Victims and those going through divorce now are able to provide information, in their own words, about the fears, dangers, experiences they have had at the hands of their abuser. Like our own individual fingerprints, no two crimes against a victim are the same. An abuser isclever like a fox and this book will teach you the techniques to be ten steps ahead before a threatagainst your life can be carried out against you or your children. With the Evidentiary Abuse affidavit provided in this book a victim will be able to provide legaldocumentation and answers, allegations and fears that arise when a person has disappeared whenthey announce the relationship is ending, gone missing or have been found dead. You will be ableto properly document and describe: -Threats made against your life or well being, -Incidents of past abuse that a victim had endured -Admissions of how a threat will be carried out against a victim once they announce they are leaving or filing for a divorce -Where evidence or weapons would or could be located -Portray visible injuries or marks -Determine how to begin and continue through the complex maze a victim faces with policeand prosecutors-How to leave a Perpetrator-How to collect evidence "on the fly" How to begin and continue on the road to safety using a virtual toolbox of techniques How family and friends can be crucial in this process Using the creative approaches developed in this ground breaking guide book by Susan Murphy-Milano will take the victims from the State of being controlled to the "State of being in control." Susan is the author of Defending Our Lives, Getting From Domestic Violence and Staying Safeand Moving Out Moving On when a Relationship Goes Wrong Workbook. "There is nothing like this out there. The reason this book is so valuable is that it's the first book to provide step-by step procedures and structure to protect everyone from dangerous and abusive relationships" -Rev. Jennifer Burns Lewis, Pastor