Rebuilding Lives after Domestic Violence

Introduction.; 1. A new journey - with old baggage.; 2. The transformation of home.; 3. Building support systems.; 4. Community, friendship and beyond.; 5. Managing a new life.; 6. Health and well-being.; 7. And what about the children?; 8. The view from here.; 9. Looking forward, looking back.; Appendix 1. About the project.; 2. Topic guide.; 3. Resource materials.; Bibliography.; Index.

This is a longitudinal study of the effects of domestic violence and abuse on the lives of 12 women. They were interviewed first when they were in refuges, then six months later, then a few years after that. This is the book's unique selling point, as most studies cover a much shorter timescale... The author's respectful, acceptant and honest approach models the guiding principles of working with women whose self-esteem and sense of safety have been shattered by domestic violence and abuse... This is a really useful resource for inexperienced and trainee counsellors. It is written in clear and direct language and is well structured, with bulletpointed summaries at the end of each chapter and a useful list of organisations and their websites in an appendix... The closing chapters of the book- in which the women look forward to brighter futures- powerfully validate the work of services which do not give up on those who live with domestic violence and abuse, difficult and draining as the work may be.