Recommended Books
Domestic Violence Domestic Abuse Spousal Abuse

Violence Among Us: Ministry to Families in Crisis
Authors: Brenda Branson and Paula J. Silva
In the Christian community, one in every four women experiences family violence. As the awareness and incidence of domestic violence increase, however, pastors find themselves ill-equipped to deal with the crisis. There is very little training, if any, provided in seminary on this subject. The challenge for every pastor and counselor is to go beyond a casual awareness of the problem to the harsh reality of this epidemic, to move past apathy to conviction, and to turn empathy into compelling action.

The Emotionally Destructive Relationship: Seeing It, Stopping It, Surviving It
Author: Leslie Vernick
Leslie Vernick, counselor and social worker, has witnessed the devastating effects of emotional abuse. Many, including many in the church, have not addressed this form of destruction in families and relationships because it is difficult to talk about. With godly guidance and practical experience, Vernick offers an empathetic approach to recognizing an emotionally destructive relationship and addresses the symptoms and the damage with Biblical tools.

Embrace Grace
Author: Liz Curtis Higgs
We heartily recommend Embrace Grace to every woman regardless of her situation. If you've ever struggled with shame, guilt, depression, or feeling unloved by God, this book is for you! For those who feel like they don't belong, who lack faith, who have a past they are ashamed of . . . or for those who just need to feel loved and accepted, this book will feel like a big hug from God as He embraces you in arms of grace and forgiveness. Order several copies . . . one for yourself to read again and again, and some to give to your friends. Our ministry is about hope . . . and that is what you will find in this book. We're very excited to see what God will do in your heart as you soak in His love through the words of Liz Curtis Higgs. Drop us a line and let us know how this book has encouraged you, and we will pass it along to Liz.

Refuge: A Pathway Out of Domestic Violence & Abuse
Author: Don Stewart
"We have found only a handful of pastors and churches who consider ministry to these families (hurting women) a mission field just as vital as mission work overseas. I consider Don Stewart to be a missionary who is offering hope to hurting women and children. He gives practical advice to those who can't see their way out of an abusive relationship and presents a much- needed walk-up call to the Christian community to get as involved in saving lives as they are in saving souls. It is a privilege to recommend this outstanding book and to celebrate Don Stewart's tireless efforts to help women find refuge out of domestic violence and abuse."

A Reason for Hope in a Time of Tragedy
This book is a compilation of writings from ten "trustworthy voices" across the nation who are offering "perspective, comfort, and assurance for the grief that grips us in fearful and painful time." Lisa Beamer wrote the forward followed by a letter from President Bush. Other authors include Max Lucadeo, Joni Eareckson Tada, John Piper, Joseph Stowell, Ray Pritchard, Adrian Rogers, R. Kent Hughes, Timothy Keller, and Joseph Ryan. By Joseph Stowell. Published by Crossway Books