Customer Reviews

Getting Free: You Can End Abuse and Take Back Your Life (New Leaf)

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have worked in the field of counselling women both living in and attempting to leave abusive relationships and this book I have recommended over and over again. It covers everything a woman needs to know in order to make the decision to leave and gives her step-by-step direction and support throughout the process. An added bonus is that it is written in a language that someone with little education can understand. The exercises within this book are absolute gems which I use often in my practice, especially the one on emotional abuse. Many of the women I work with minimize this aspect of their abuse and it certainly is an eye-opener for these women. I hope it never becomes an "out of print" book. I would also recommend "Family Violence and the Chemical Connection" by Sally E. Baker. Unfortunately this is "out of print" but if you can find a copy it is invaluable. Others I often recommend are "The Verbally Abusive Relationship" by Patricia Evans, "The Emotionally Abused Woman" by Beverley Engel, "Outgrowing The Pain" by Eliana Gil and finally "Toxic Parents" by Dr. Susan Forward.

I wish this book was around back when I needed something exactly like this (in 1976-84). It covers "all" related topics: How to decide to leave (making the decision). Protecting yourself & the children, How to get help, the financial aspects of leaving "him", how to find a shelter (or a safe home), how to cope with loneliness, new love in the future, avoiding the same kind of man again.

I left my partner 6 weeks ago. There were so many signs that I didn't recognize until I had left and until I read this book. The exercises are realistic, and very very helpful. I am searching for more, I wish this book never ended so that I could receive daily readings from this author!

I am a male counselor working with perpetrators and victims of domestic violence. This book offers insight, hope, and practical advice for people in abusive relationships. It is really invaluable and must be purchased!

The line that haunted me for years is: If there is 1% chance you will be killed, that is too great of a chance. I only wish that Nicole Simpson had read/or acted on the advice in this book. (My opinion, obviously). The book helped me spot abusers on the first date, rather than 2 dangerous months later.... And best of all it gives strategys for departure. Another memorable line: "Its easier for men to be cured of leprosy and than abusing women, EVEN WHEN THEY WANT TO BE CURED!" I have recommended this to dozens of friends and clients. If you don't think you need it, read the first chapter standing in a book store. As I discovered, when doing so "I'm living with a Monster!" (Denial reigns supreme until one's consciousness is raised. Remember, no matter how badly you were/are beaten: YOU DIDN'T DESERVE IT. ITS NOT YOUR FAULT! Call a shelter and get out of there. Now!

I read this book 16 years ago and it really helped me 'get clear' on what was happening to me. A lot was missing, however, and Patricia Evans' book Verbally Abusive Relationships put the icing on the cake. Now I call the latter 'the bible' - but it was Ginny's book that got me started.

She has written one of the most useful guides I have found in my years of social work practice. Written in an easy to read style, the author covers not only topics essential for getting out of a violent situation but essential information for the future as well, such as dealing with lonliness and choosing a new partner who is non violent. Sections on teen/dating abuse and lesbian battering are also helpful

I have worked in the domestic violence field and related fields for 20 years and this book has been a guiding light
throughout. I am delighted to remind readers that there are new chapters and that the book has been thoroughly updated. More information can be found on the website [...]. With such a strong history and the latest in important thinking this book is an incredible resource. It remains a great gift to the field and to countless survivors and their loved ones.

Wonderful book. A lot of knowledge on abuse and how to handle abusive situations. It tells you how to move on with your life after abuse.

Few think of escaping verbal, emotional or physical abuse as shortcuts to freedom, but it surely is, and is likely the only route to get there. Babysitting abusers is rotten work, and keeps them from "facing the music," robbing both of what might be happy lives. Anyone who is an abuser deserves to go it alone, and has "earned that right" many times over, usually at the expense of the abused.