Seven Steps to Freedom

If you are in an abusive relationship -- or know someone who is -- and don't know what to do, this book can help. Free Yourself from an Abusive Relationship provides a practical seven-step plan that restores power and gives hope to those suffering abuse.

Step 1: Recognizing Abusive Behavior defines types of abuse ranging from physical, sexual and emotional to the lesser-known financial, social and spiritual abuse, and describes how to identify early signs of abuse.

Step 2: Learning About Abusers and Victims helps you identify patterns of abusive behavior. This step also addresses special issues, including abuse in rural communities and between same-sex partners, as well as child, teen and elder abuse.

Step 3: Preparing for Emergencies provides essential information on working with courts and local law enforcement, and describes how to create a safety plan.

Step 4: Getting Help After a Crisis gives guidance on dealing with immediate needs such as medical treatment, money, work and transportation, and planning for the long term.

Step 5: Making the Decision to Stay or Leave helps you evaluate your individual circumstances and decide what course of action is best for you.

Step 6: Learning to Heal and Rebuild outlines the different stages of healing and recovery and offers long-term strategies for overcoming the effects of abuse.

Step 7: Remaining Abuse Free helps you move on to a full, productive life, choose healthy relationships and avoid abuse in the future.

At every step, checklists help you to assess a situation and determine the best plan of action. Written for those who confront the daily reality of abuse, this book will be your lifeline to freedom.