Introduction:

I was humbled, challenged, and inspired by the stories in Finding Our Voice: Healing thoughts from survivors of woman abuse.  At times they moved me to tears, rage and most inportantly to a renewed commitment to action.  These are stories of shattered dreams, if denial, of broken bones and hearts.  They are also stories of institutions in a system that often fails to respond to the needs of women and children, thereby increasing their danger.  But, above all they are hopeful in spite of the violence that plagued their daily life.  They have dared to shatter the silence that so often surrounfs our lives as women because they know that silence kills...body and spirit.

Sections include:

• Woman ABuse: Dispelling the Myths
• What is Abuse?
• Abused Women Who Face Additional Barriers
• Why Women Can't Leave Abusive Relationships
• Why Men Assault Women
• Effects on Chidren
• Questions for Reflection/Discussion
• How to Help an Assaulted Woman
• How to Help Children Who Witness Abuse
• Statistics
• Power and Control/Equity Wheels