Overcoming the Stigma of Intimate Partner Abuse

Christine E. Murray, PhD, LPC, LMFT, associate professor, Department of Counseling and Educational Development, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and co-founder of See the Triumph.Allison Crowe, PhD, LPC, NCC, assistant professor of counselor education, Department of Interdisciplinary Professions, College of Education, East Carolina University; co-founder, See the Triumph.

"‘Why don’t you just leave?’ is a question often asked of IPV victims and survivors. That question is victim-blaming, stigmatizing, and offensive. This book illuminates survivors’ strengths and courage, and lays bare why we must be aware of the role stigmatization plays in undermining victim’s opportunities to reach out to family, friends, and the helping professions for support and encouragement. I highly recommend this important book and applaud the authors’ contributions to understanding IPV"Kit Gruelle, technical assistance and program manager, Utah Domestic Violence Coalition, Salt Lake City, UT"The best part of my work with protective mothers is watching a client helping a newer client. They both benefit and a woman who once thought she couldn't help herself is suddenly helping others. Thanks to a new book by Christine Murray and Allison Crowe, I learned this is part of Overcoming the Stigma of Intimate Partner Violence. The book is destined to be part of the specialized body of research used to prevent domestic violence."Barry Goldstein, JD, research director for the Stop Abuse Campaign"This book uniquely focuses on the effects of stigma associated with abuse, from victim/survivor and offender perspectives. Even though IPV is more widely recognized, and it is not viewed as acceptable behavior, society has not sufficiently dealt with the stigma that still occurs in court cases, the lack of victim disclosure to others, or long-term solutions. This covers stigma from its origins to treatment approaches and techniques for victims and offenders. A must reading for anyone working with IPV victims or offenders."Robert Geffner, PhD, ABPP, ABN, president/founder, Institute on Violence, Abuse & Trauma, president/founder, Family Violence & sexual Assault Institute, San Diego, CA

• Acknowledgments Part 1: Introduction 1. Understanding Abusive Relationships 2. The Added Complexity of Stigma Part 2: Understanding Stigma 3. Stigma as a Function of the Abuse: How Abusers Perpetuate Stigma4. Stigma From Within: When Stigma Is Internalized 5. How Stigma Impacts Victims and Survivors When They Seek Help 6.Stigma in Society: Stereotypes of Abuse and Victims at the Societal Level Part 3: Overcoming Stigma 7. Holding Perpetrators Accountable for Their Abuse and the Stigma They Perpetuate 8. It’s Not Your Fault 9. Creating Responsive Systems for Victims and Survivors Who Seek Help 10. Ending the Stigma Surrounding Intimate Partner Violence in Society