A Letter to a Friend: The Story of Abuse in America

by Patty Wain Smith

Overview

Winner of the 2020 Illumination Book Awards Enduring Light Silver Medal for Christian Thought and other awards

"This incredible book is a gift to every victim." (Vicki Bourus, SC Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault executive director)

Not sure if it's abuse?

This book will give you clarity and hope.

An authentic and emotionally raw love letter to victims in an inspirational book of hope and love. Award-winning author and survivor Patty Wain Smith goes beyond self-help and documentaries. The conversation is intimate, affirming, and relatable for victims and those who want to know why it's so hard to leave.

• -It's gentle, powerful, and unspeakably honest-the perfect book to give to a friend, coworker, neighbor, family member, or anyone in an emotionally or physically abusive relationship.
• - Social Workers, clergy, counselors, police officers, nurses, and educators will find themselves transported into the layers of this tragic and hard-to-address social issue, and learn how helping victims can integrate with the Christian faith.

A Letter to a Friend: The Story of Abuse in America combines psychology, counseling, domestic violence, child development, and Christian principles with hope and love. There's a bonus at the back: a link to an original song that helps the reader grieve-an essential part of recovery. Follow the journey of a survivor who grows stronger and wiser after accepting God's gift, and discover the one thing that changes everything.

^{A Letter to a Friend: The Story of Abuse in America is the winner of the 2020 Illumination Book Awards Enduring Light Silver Medal for Christian Thought; the 2019 International Book Awards Finalist for Best New Non-Fiction, Self-Help: Relationships, and Health: Women's Health; and the 2019 Living Now Book Awards Bronze Medal for Relationships: Marriage.}

^{(New Words Publishing)}

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780692825839
Publisher:	New Words Publishing LLC
Publication date:	10/05/2017
Series:	N/A
Edition description:	First Print ed.
Pages:	144
Sales rank:	1,103,388
Product dimensions:	5.25(w) x 8.00(h) x 0.34(d)

About the Author

Award-winning author Patty Wain Smith created and managed the first family violence prevention program at her church, and has worked as a hotline counselor for Parents Anonymous and Citizens Against Spouse Abuse. Smith studied psychology and counseling at the University of South Carolina and Webster University, and is a member of the Psi Chi International Honor Society. She's an experienced Child Development Specialist and Educational Consultant as well as a lifetime advocate for children.

The author is a member of the Family Justice Center's Speakers Bureau, and has appeared on Carolina and Company Live television and WRNN radio. She is a longtime South Carolina resident who writes, researches, studies, and reads with her loving dog, Boo, curled up by her feet. In her spare time, she plays piano and guitar, and teaches music. She's a proud member of the South Carolina Writer's Association.

Table of Contents

CONTENTS

Introduction to the Letter

The Letter

Part I

Chapter One ............... We Know

Chapter Two ............... Trapped

Chapter Three .............The Gift

Part II

Chapter Four ............... No More!

Chapter Five ................ The Seven Sorrows

Chapter Six .................. The Way Home

Chapter Seven ............. Permission to Love

Postscript to the Letter

Statistics

Bibliography

Reviews

Editorial Reviews

"This incredible book is a gift to every victim - no matter if the victim is just beginning to consider the options or is far along on the journey to recovery. The skillful way in which she's written this story is similar to the experience of watching the fog clear from the windshield after a storm - hopeful, encouraging, freeing. I highly recommend this lovely, well-written book to survivors, advocates, family, and friends. I believe that if every adult in the United States read this book, powerful changes would take place in the country, so plagued by abuse. That is a significant claim!" -Vicki Bourus, MSW, LISW, SC Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault executive director, Family Justice Center of GHC executive director, supervisory professional social worker, professional social worker

"Excellent! A dark story told with deep insight. Gripping. Beautifully written. Told like it is. First rate work!" -David Zinman, author of The Day Huey Long Was Shot, prize-winning AP Journalist and Newsday Reporter"

"Standing ovation. Simply amazing! An extremely emotional and gripping read! This book gives the reader a clear and deep understanding of what abuse truly looks like. It is given a face, and the reader is part of the story. The feelings of isolation and fear are immobilizing for many victims. I feel very strongly this book can aid and empower victims, ultimately helping them to transition from victims to survivors." -Leah Leuthauser, MA, LPC, professional counselor

"Moving and insightful with a powerful message not only for the victim of abuse - but a message that transcends to anyone who cares about the circumstances of those caught up in this terrible web of abuse. I strongly recommend A Letter to a Friend: The Story of Abuse in America to everyone, and especially to those who need to empower themselves to take the steps necessary to break the cycle." -Dr. James Pearson, ACSW, LPC, educator, professional counselor, and mental health center director

"A helpful resource and guide to accompany individuals and families searching for the light - those going through abuse and struggling with what their next step will be. I will be sharing this book as a resource for those in recovery from abuse and trauma. Thank you Patty Wain Smith for being a voice in the wilderness, preparing a path for healing and hope!" -Pastor Brad Bellah, Lead Pastor at the Shepherd of the Sea Lutheran Church (ELCA)

From the Publisher