Verbal Abuse: Survivors Speak Out on Relationship and Recovery

This woman's work changed my life. I've now read all 5 of her books. For anyone who is getting verbally abused (or who think there might be a problem.... just pick this up and start reading. Read a sample of one of the 5 Patricia Evans books on the subject. You might be blown away. I didn't realize that they verbal abuse I had been just absorbing for 50 years (that's right... five-oh years)... was actually abuse. I was raised in verbal abuse and thought that's just how men treated woman. I also didn't realize how crazy-making and confusing it can be... I was still in the storm and being tossed all around by someone who was pretending to help me just so he could use me as a verbal punching bag. That has stopped. My eyes opened wide. This is well-worth the read.

I use this book ALL the time when I talk to people who need to learn about relationships suffering from verbal abuse. It is a life changer and very eye opening. This book is empowering for people living with and not understanding verbal abuse. It can be one of the most important books anyone ever reads, AND the price is great! If you need to learn about verbal abuse, how to understand it, and what to do -- read this book or give it to someone who needs it! The book is easy to start 'reading' and 'use' because it is filled with vignettes; because of the vignettes, a reader can merely open it and read a little 'here and there' until the reader is ready to confront the entire issue. Thank You Patricia Evans. I am imagining how many lives you have helped!

If statistics were available, I believe verbal abuse would be found to be at epidemic levels. Unfortunately there are very few laws to protect victims, consequently few statistics. Often times the victim isn't aware they are being verbally abused. This book sheds light on this unfortunate topic and helps create a necessary awareness. The stories are as compelling as they are sad. Verbal abuse transcends all socio-economic boundaries. Whereas reading a book like this in no way lessens one's experience if they are verbal abuse survivors, it helps to know they're not alone. And if it increases awareness and assists victims in managing their situations, then perhaps we can cull the levels of abuse over time.

This is one of the best books I've read and doubt there's a better one out there. I was surprised by how many people are using these tactics but I could never put my finger on exactly what was disturbing about the way they were speaking. I recommend this book to people learning the field or anyone who will come in contact with people having issues with significant others. The way the tactics are spelled out is clear and completely understandable.

This is an excellent way for either the abuser or the victim to understand the reality. I loved the simplicity and realness. It is not Testbookish. It is wonderful and helpful...even though the topic is painful and sometimes painful to even face.

I got this book for a friend because I had received a copy from another friend, and it literally opened my eyes and saved my life. A MUST READ for anyone in a relationship of any kind...with teachers, coaches, parents, kids, and partners. Required reading for all men and women about to marry. Exposes so much!!!!

This is a must read for anyone dealing with verbal abuse PTSD.

Because of a very verbal abusing/controlling relationship, I bought this book and bought I this book for one of my Birthday presents--what a wonderful present, the best one yet! It has opened my eyes in more ways than one. I highly recommend this book. Another reason that I bought this book is that since being in this controlling relationship for 5 years, I have had migraines and muscle aches 5 times per week or more that kept me bedridden! My self-esteem went from a healthy 10 to a minus 2 these past 5 years. Moreover, because I was "ill" so much, I did not exercise and gained 35 pounds. Eating had become my comfort, even sickness became my comfort. This book has helped to discoverer:By ALLOWING this person to verbually abuse me and control me, it caused illness in my body and very often! I was tired of being ill most of the time. You see, I used my "illness" to gain control by:1) Getting him to feel sorry for me so I could have my way for a change--I would not be forced to do what he wanted when I was "ill". (This "illness" method has stopped working in the last year).2) I told my "illness" BYE BYE because it was controlling me! Now, I choose the healthy and honest way to control my life: "Stand up for myself with no need to explain myself."3) I used the "illness" as an excuse to go to bed and "hide" from this person. Also, it was an excuse to not have to go to work so this person would continue to "take care of me." Now, I am walking 2 miles a day and physically and mentally I am healthier. I am getting in shape mentally and physically--I can go to work with no problem. And take care of myself with no problem.2) After reading this book, I realized that I had ALLOWED this person to control me for 5 years and be verbally abusive to me when we were alone and in public. I have taken back my power now and I am now in control. Today, for the first time, I stood up to him and said "No" about something I did not want to do and told him what I CHOOSE to do instead. And I felt wonderful inside, my self-esteem went up quite a lot! YES!!!If you are in a relationship or taking any kind of verbal abuse or control, I highly suggest that you purchase this book. I has truly been an eye-opener and life-saver for me as I learned that I had allowed this person to verbally abuse and control me, I gave him this power because I let him do these things. No more, now, I am in control of my life and my thoughts. This book is so very highly recommended and I believe it will help you. Also, may I suggest that you consider Louise Hay CD's" Self-Esteem, Stress-Free, 101-Power Thoughts", these have also been a big help to me and I listen to them often. May my story help others who are hurting right now, may you find the peace and love that you need.

This book is really addictive. I couldn't put it down! There are amazing extracts from hundreds of women who have experienced verbal abuse. The message from my understanding is - get out. Or plan to get out. And stay out of this type of relationship. You will always get hurt at the end of the day, no matter how many good days you may have. I wish there was advice on what to do with the children especially if you are scared to confront your partner, or scared to go court or get a divorce. If your children are grown up and in secondary school, with a strong support of friends and schooling years ahead, what do you do? What do you do if your child doesn't want to escape with you? Do you eventually leave without your child? So many things to consider. I can't find a book that covers children. I recommend this book. It's good to know your not alone and that millions of women are suffering verbal abusive language. Read, read and never stop reading so you can be well informed and make a (hopefully) permanent decision.

As I am writing this review I am just now realising that I could be in this book. I am a survivor of a verbally abusive relationship and a truly happy one. I ended the relationship after 2 years and I can not thank Ms Evans enough for opening my eyes to what was going on. This was the last book I read of her books and read it right after my break up and remember I almost had to read it page by page as I was crying so much. For all the wonderful people who are living in the nightmare of an abusive relationship or who just finished it, I can tell you there is a light at the end of the tunnel and you can do it.

Good book

Had hoped for some pearls of wisdom. A few personal stories and just stating the obvious.

Super Buch. Komme besser mit Männern klar. Tolle Analyse. Echte Dokumente. Realistische Persönlichkeit mit Schreibtalent. Wunderschöne Begriffswahl. Vorsichtiger Charakter. Empfehlung von mir.