Includes bibliographical references (p. 259-269) and index.

Offers empowering tools focusing on support and compassion, education, abuse prevention strategies and long-term recovery strategies to break the cycle of abuse or neglect. Includes personal stories including the author's own experiences with abuse and abusive behaviour. Also addresses the topic of sexual abuse and how to avoid becoming an abuser if you were sexually abused yourself. Explains why abusive patterns are established and presents both short-term and long-term strategies for gaining control over emotions while offering alternative ways to react to stress, anger, fear and shame - significant factors in continuing the cycle of abuse.