According to a World Health Organization Fact Sheet, among women ages 15-44, violence accounts for more death and disability than the combined effects of cancer, malaria, traffic injuries and war: "On average, at least one in three women is subjected to intimate partner violence in the course of her lifetime." When Love Hurts was first published in 2000 to help women recognize the signs of abuse in a relationship and the abusive strategies their partner uses to control and disempower them. It also provides tools on what to do if a woman is experiencing abuse. The first edition sold over 11,000 copies outside of standard trade channels, largely through world of mouth. Along with stories of women who have experienced many forms of abuse, When Love Hurts also offers exercises that allow readers to make their own decisions about their lives, or to understand what a friend or family member may be going through. An important resource, this second edition includes updates, new exercises to help women understand what they are experiencing, information on Internet usage and a much-requested chapter on grief and the healing process. The book explores difficult questions and offers straightforward, real world advice about an epidemic problem in society - and one that women often keep silent about.
About the Authors
Jill Cory and Karen McAndless-Davis are friends and colleagues who share a deep compassion and respect for women who have experienced abuse. Together, they bring over three decades of experience to their work. Jill began working with women in abusive relationships at the Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter in the early 1980s. She has researched women’s experiences in leaving abusive relationships and has developed and facilitated counseling programs for women and their abusive partners. Jill currently works at B.C. Women’s Hospital supporting staff who respond to women experiencing abuse. Karen’s passion for this issue comes from personal experience of abuse. Karen participated in a group counseling program which kindled her desire to help other women living with abuse. For many years she has provided individual and group counseling to women in various communities. Karen and Jill travel widely to provide training on the women-centered approach presented in When Love Hurts.
Reviews
"When Love Hurts offers a uniquely woman-centered approach to help the reader reflect on her experiences and thereby gain a new understanding. Invaluable."
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Midwest Book Review
"A simple yet powerfully insightful book. When Love Hurts should be required reading for women of all ages and backgrounds."
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Fearless Reviews
"When Love Hurts is a helpful resource for women who are in abusive relationships, or who are wondering whether they might be. It is also a great resource for counselors, group leaders, clergy and laypeople who want to walk alongside someone who is experiencing abuse.... It is a very respectful and validating conversation regarding the overwhelming and precarious situation of being in an abusive relationship."
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Haide Giesbrecht, Mennonite Brethren Herald
What readers are saying:
“Reading this book has been like opening a window in a dark room. I see things I didn’t see before; I feel that I have options now.”
“This book has been a wonderful guide for me. The authors are extremely knowledgeable and compassionate. I learned so much.”
“When Love Hurts was a lifesaver!”
