Emotional Assault: Recognizing the Abusive Partners Bag of Tricks by Lisa Kraulik
I chose to review this book not only because I am focused on reaching out and helping woman in these types of situations, but also because I experienced this type of abuse for many years. I had to learn on my own that I was not a horrible wife and mother as I was told daily. I had to learn on my own how and that it was ok for me to leave. This book should be share with many others so that others can know before it is too late. I still suffer from occasional relapses and its been more than ten years later. Kraulik did a tremendous job explaining the cycles of emotional abuse through her own story. Although my story differed slightly, the results were the same. I suffered anxiety and poor self image. I as terrified to say or do anything that may set my ex off.
I applaud Kraulik for being brave enough to share her story. Woman need to know that they are not alone. Woman (and men) need to know that emotional abuse is real and just as consequential as physical abuse. I recommend this book to anyone, not just those who are in situations like these, but so that woman (and men) can learn the signs, can learn how to help others.
Book Description by Publisher
When most people think of abuse, images of domestic violence come to mind. However, there is a much more subtle form of abuse that takes place in many marriages and intimate relationships today that also deserve recognition. Emotional abuse is difficult to overcome because it is often impossible to identify. While domestic abuse is tragic, there is no denying the bruises and broken bones that occur as a result. Emotional abuse, on the other hand, is often referred to as invisible abuse because there are no physical scars. This leaves the victim in a perpetual state of confusion and self-blame.
In this book, author Lisa Kroulik identifies eight common tactics that emotionally abusive people use to control their partners, such as giving the silent treatment or playing the victim. Ms. Kroulik uses examples from her relationship with her former husband to help readers name abusive tactics in their own relationships. As she states in the introduction to this book, knowledge is power. After identifying a trait of emotionally abusive partners, Ms. Kroulik goes on to offer suggestions on how to confront it. She makes it clear that confronting the behavior may not make it stop and that each woman needs to decide for herself if her relationship is worth saving.
The second section of Emotional Assault helps the reader assess her current relationship and provides resources should she decide to end it. It is a hopeful, engaging book that empowers emotionally abused women to change their lives. The author is living proof that it is possible to learn from the abusive relationship and make better choices the next time around. She has been happily remarried for three years to a man she refers to as the anti-narcissist.
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