Full Description
This is really interesting and compelling book. Abrahams' writing style is readable and engaging and is interspersed with reference to research and powerfully, the words of women who have experienced domestic violence. Right from the beginning of this book, there are passages that challenge stereotypes and tackle stereotypical thinking regarding women who experience domestic violence... Very engaging, Really useful. Powerful and authoritative, I'd recommend this book to anyone working with women, whether in the community or the workplace. I have worked with a variety of groups (children, families, people with mental health problems, older people) and domestic violence has been a factor in working in all these areas of work. This text will certainly be useful to me and no doubt to many others addressing issues of domestic violence.'
- Well-Being
'Abrahams gives us a sense of how lives are shattered and rebuilt in this compelling book that is the culmination of a research project exploring the experiences of women and children in three refuges in the UK... It is a key resource for those working within women's refuges, as well as for professionals whose work brings them into contact with victims of domestic violence. Those tasked with developing and implementing public policy would also find it enlightening.'
- Therapy Today
'Compelling reading for anyone working with women and children living with and leaving domestic violence.'
- From the Foreword by Cathy Humphreys
Women who leave an abusive relationship often experience feelings of fear, bewilderment, anger and confusion. The trauma caused by domestic violence leaves a legacy that stays with the survivor, and it is not uncommon for women to experience feelings of loss and grief similar to those following bereavement, but made more complex by the effect that abuse has had on their emotional health and well-being.
Supporting Women after Domestic Violence offers accessible advice on how to enable women who have experienced domestic violence to embark on a journey of recovery. The book draws on theory, original research and the personal experiences of women who have encountered domestic violence to explore the complex practical and emotional support they need when engaging in the process of recovery. It highlights the difficulties a victim of domestic violence may encounter following an abusive relationship, offers action points to improve service provision, and covers important issues in recovery, such as the value of mutual support and how women can regain a sense of normality and self-esteem.
This book will be a key resource for those working within women's refuges, as well as social workers, counsellors, mental health professionals and many others whose work may bring them into situations where domestic violence is an issue.
Contents
Foreword. Introduction. About the project. About the book. Notes. 1. Why Doesn't She Just Leave? The effects of domestic violence. A framework for understanding. Post traumatic stress disorder. Loss and grief. Loss, trauma and recovery. Summary. Notes. 2. Starting the Journey. Taking the decision. Filling the information gap. Making the break. Arriving at the refuge. Assessing support needs. First steps. Safety. Reactions. Summary. Notes. 3. Exploring the Route. Loss. Anger. Oscillating emotions. Safety, trust and empowerment. Changing needs. Advocacy. Mutual support. Summary. Notes. 4. Someone to Talk to, Someone to Listen. Mutual support. Worker support. Someone to listen. Counselling. Therapeutic group work. Life skills and activities. Being a family. Summary. Notes. 5. Living Together. Daily life. Conflict. Participation. Other experiences of refuge life. How it could be. Summary. Notes. 6. Moving Out, moving On. Problems of rehousing. Fears and hopes. Support after rehousing. Keeping in touch. Beginning a new life. Realignment. Summary. Notes. 7. The Best Things Were... Safety. Respect. A non-judgmental attitude, being believed. Mutual support from other residents. Time to talk and be heard. Attitude and approach of the workers. Rebuilding the capacity to cope. Summary. Notes 8. Putting the Pieces (back) Together. Loss, transition and recovery. The extra burden. How these concepts affect support giving. A way of understanding. One size will never fit all. Wider implications. Conclusions. Summary. Notes. Postscript. Appendix 1: Women's Aid Federation of England. Appendix 2: The Research Project. Appendix 3: Précis of Topic Guide for Interviews with Past and Present Service Users. Appendix 4: Resource Materials. References. Subject index. Author index.
