Helping Her Get Free: A Guide for Families and Friends of Abused Women - Paperback

About This Guide

Seal Press originally published Helping Her Get Free with the title To Be an Anchor in the Storm. Almost ten years after its original publication, this groundbreaking and practical guide remains a wise, informed, and vital resource for those who want to assist a friend or loved one in her struggle to escape an abusive relationship.

Susan Brewster, a longtime psychotherapist whose practice includes working with abused women and their families, recognizes that friends and family need specific tools and ideas to help them develop a relationship with their abused loved one that will ultimately benefit her, not control her. As the survivor of an abusive relationship herself, Brewster teaches readers how to recognize the signs of abuse, handle negative feelings, become an effective advocate, deal with the abuser, and more.

What You'll Learn

This guide provides families and friends with concrete strategies to support someone experiencing domestic violence. Brewster draws from 26 years of clinical social work experience, including ten years devoted specifically to domestic violence counseling. Her dual perspective as both a professional therapist and abuse survivor offers unique insights into the complexities of abusive relationships.

The book addresses critical topics including recognizing warning signs of abuse, managing your own emotional responses, becoming an effective advocate without controlling the situation, and navigating interactions with the abuser. These practical tools help supporters provide meaningful assistance while respecting the autonomy of the person experiencing abuse.

Updated Edition

With a new introduction and updated resource section, this straightforward and compassionate book is just as timely and important as ever, offering the information needed to give strength to women who are trying to break free.