There have been plenty of titles written about physical spousal abuse: now appreciate an unusual focus on the emotional battery of women by men. Outlines of psychological, social and economic battery used in manipulation processes make for thought-provoking chapters on recognizing and acknowledging more subtle patterns of abuse. -- Midwest Book From the Inside FlapDOES YOUR PARTNER . . .* have sudden outbursts of anger or rage?* become jealous without reason?* prevent you from seeing friends and family?* deny you access to family assets such as bank accounts, credit cards, or the car?* control all finances and force you to account for what you spend?* insult you or call you derogatory names?* humiliate you in front of your children?* turn minor incidents into major arguments?If you or someone you know can answer "yes" to the questions above, chances are you are suffering from nonphysical battering--controlling, tyrannical behavior that is just as damaging to a woman's self-esteem as a broken bone or a black eye. An experienced counselor who works with abused women, Mary Susan Miller breaks the silence that surrounds this devastating form of domestic violence. She identifies the many types of nonphysical abuse verbal, emotional, psychological, social, and economic--and explores why this outrageous treatment of women continues unabated in our society. Dr. Miller also shares the stories of many survivors who have escaped their abusive relationships. Their experiences--with law enforcement, the legal system, and the community itself--can help prepare any woman for the decision of whether to stay or leave the relationship. And if she decides to go, Dr. Miller offers sound guidelines on how to protect herself and her children, since a woman's decision to leave is usually the time she is in the most danger from her abuser.Finally, Dr. Miller inspires hope: You can break free of the nightmare of nonphysical battering and heal, once again engaging in a life of integrity, dignity, and peace. what is a product trend No Visible Wounds: Identifying Nonphysical Abuse of Women by Their Men
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Highlights a need for more recognitionBy NM MarjThis book describes the need for greater help for women (and perhaps men) who are stuck in an abusive relationship but don't realize they are abused if they are not actually physically beaten. I also agree with the reviewer who notes that the book doesn't help us figure out how we got where we are in the first place. It doesn't help us understand what in our upbringing or nature allows us to stay in a psychologically degrading situation. I've spent more than 40 years of my life unable to comprehend that I was being abused every day by my angry, domineering spouse. I thought it was my duty to help him repair the professional situations that led to his failures and contributed to his constant anger. I was unable to extract myself from a situation that will now impact the rest of my life with legal ramifications because of his poor choices. I could not refuse to cooperate because of fear. I have no legal recourse because I was not beaten!13 of 13 people found the following review helpful. An awesome book shining light on a pervasive problem, that also provides hopeBy Charlene RubushEven if you, as a woman, have not been personally affected by verbal and emotional abuse, surely you know of a woman who has been, or is currently being harmed.I am so grateful for having found this book, as it is extremely enlightening on many levels.The problem of emotional, mental, and verbal abuse in relationships, men controlling and demeaning women, is too common in our society, as well as all over the world.Dr. Miller's work as an assistant in Family Court,aiding and counseling abused women, has given her a deep understanding of how the abuser operates. She delves deeply into the tactics he often uses, such as isolation from friends and family, name-calling meant to erode self-esteem, the playing of mind games, economic control, etc.Miller not only names the problem, but provides informed advice for those women hoping or planning to leave their abuser.She stresses the importance of obtaining counseling, which can help break through the wall of denial a victim experiences, plus provide comfort, relief, and help point out options the victim may be unaware of.The book points out the many pitfalls a woman may experience as she fights her way out of her situation. There are police officers who may side with the abuser, as well as the fact that few judges will impose a jail sentence for non-physical abuse.Yet, there are glimmers of change in society. Dr. Miller writes of programs such as EMERGE, the first men's group for batterers, which opened in 1977, at the urging of local women's shelters.While we're not there yet, Dr. Miller hopes for a day when programs begin to address non-physical abuse with the concern they express over violence today. This could lead to minimizing the physical abuse to which it inevitably escalates.This book has a thorough listing of resources and help lines for abused women, as well as an excellent index.I believe this book should be required reading for students, male and female, while in middle school. The awareness that it brings might spare many people untold grief in their romantic relationships.Dr. Miller is to be highly commended for this vital resource on this unpleasant, shameful subject which needs more exposure in our society. Wish I could give it ten stars!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A Must ReadBy K9MomJust a great book and an easy read to help validate women who are suffering emotional abuse. Very detailed and thorough in describing what constitutes emotional abuse, gives many stories of women and describes in great detail the various aspects and pros and cons to leaving (or staying) in an emotionally abusive relationship and how to take care of yourself and your children. The only negative I have is that I wish this book would be updated. Written and published in 1995, so much has changed in regards to stalking laws and the advent of the internet that the information in the court section is somewhat outdated. However, I would not let that stop you from purchasing and reading this book. It's a very valuable resource.