Triumph Over Abuse

Christine E. Murray, Ph.D., LCHMC, LMFT, is the Director of the UNC Greensboro Center for Youth, Family, and Community Partnerships. She is a co-founder of the See the Triumph campaign.

‘The journey out of and beyond a violent intimate relationship is often complex and challenging. With this book, Dr. Christine E. Murray offers a meaningful roadmap for that very journey. While deeply grounded in recent evidence and her own research, readers of this book will find compassionate and practical guidance for moving forward with their lives after an abusive relationship. This book is recommended for those working to end a violent relationship, those who are recently coming out of a violent relationship, and for those who love someone struggling with a violent relationship, whether you are parent, sibling, new partner, or friend.’ – Rebecca J. Macy, PhD, MSW, L. Richardson Preyer Distinguished Chair for Strengthening Families, Associate Dean for Research & Faculty Development, Editor-in-Chief Journal of Family Violence‘Triumph Over Abuse: Finding Healing, Recovery and Purpose after an Abusive Relationship by Dr., Christine Murray is a thorough, comprehensive and practical guide for victims and survivors of intimate partner violence. Dr. Murray crafted this book in such a way that the experience of reading it feels very much like talking with an old friend who has “been there” and knows how to guide a victim/survivor through the thought process and behavioral choices aimed at reclaiming their life after the end of an abusive relationship. In addition to her own voice, Dr. Murray represents the voices of countless other victims and survivors who have shared their experiences and insights in the research she has done on strategies used to heal from the wounds of intimate partner violence. In addition to survivors, this book should be read by every person who works with victims and survivors because it places the helper in the shoes of the victim/survivor and provides the means for respectful, trauma informed thinking and communication. At every step, Dr. Murray describes the issue at hand, discusses options and affirms the reader’s right to decide for themselves how, when and whether to proceed. This is a wonderful resource and I will use it in my own work with intimate partner violence survivors.’ – L. Kevin Hamberger, Ph.D., Professor of Family and Community Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin

• 1. Introduction: Triumphing Over Abuse 2. Practicing Self-Care and Coping 3. Surrounding Yourself with the Right Support 4. Educating Yourself about Abuse 5. Taking Back Control of Your Mind 6. Fostering Positive Mental and Emotional Health 7. Being the Best Parent You Can Be 8. Dealing with Continued Abuse 9. Building a Strong Foundation for Your Finances and Career 10. Helping Others 11. Telling Your Story, On Your Own Terms 12. Conclusion: Beyond Survivorship