NCJ Number
164241
Date Published
1996
Length
135 pages
Annotation
This volume is directed to women who have experienced an abusive relationship and offers guidance, support, and specific steps for using creative writing to rebuild self-confidence and rediscover personal strength and independence.
Abstract
Each chapter presents a new topic, including first-person stories from formerly abused women, together with a guided writing exercise intended to stimulate creativity and help the woman explore specific issues. Issues include grieving and letting go of the old relationship, staying emotionally and physically safe after leaving the relationship, establishing a new network of friends and supporters, recognizing and nurturing new relationships that are healthy and satisfying, and setting and achieving new life goals. The author is the former program director for a county-wide domestic assault prevention program and has taught creative writing workshops to help women use writing as part of their process of healing from abusive relationships. List of suggested readings and telephone number of national domestic violence hotline