What is often labeled "domestic violence" is, in this book, referred to as "family violence," because the emotional terrorism that infuses violence between adults affects not only the adult victims but also the children who witness the abuse. Dalpiaz shows how a caring and thoughtful parent can recognize the trauma family violence inflicts upon children, and how to help them recover and go on to live happy, violence-free childhoods. Safeguarding children, building trust and breaking the cycle of violence is the goal. Once the victim of family violence, Dalpiaz later earned degrees in psychology and early childhood education, eventually launching a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping children. Her book will interest not only parents who are victims of family violence, but also foster parents dealing with the aftermath of family violence, counselors, teachers, social workers, clergy, and students of the behavioral sciences.

Redefining domestic violence as family violence because of its impact on children who witness the violence, Dalpiaz (executive director, CHANCE—Changing How Adults Nurture Children's Egos, a Colorado nonprofit agency) hopes to aid parents raising children in the aftermath of family violence by providing them with an understanding of the dynamics of violence in the home, its impacts, and ways to address the damage done to children. He approach is based on rebuilding the child's sense of trust and break the relationship cycles of the violent household.
Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

[T]his book is recommended for parenting collections in public and consumer mental health libraries.Library Journal

"This is a must read for any adult who has been involved in domestic violence, as well as, for any clinician and Victim Advocate. Ms. Dalpiaz has explicitly captured the impact that domestic violence has on children and has given practical guidance to parents as to how to positively change and appropriately respond to their children in a style that empowers victims rather than blame them. I...would highly recommend this book to any parent who has been involved in domestic violence and desires to change. I believe this should be a must book for men who have been abusive and have children." - John Cogley Director Colorado Approved Domestic Violence Tx Provider

"Christina Dalpiaz is uniquely passionate, committed and eloquent in her efforts to make our communities safer for children and more aware of the epidemic of domestic violence. Her voice needs to be listened to and heeded by all who work in the domestic violence and child abuse fields." - Betty J. Wytias Assistant Attorney General Domestic Violence Policy Advisor Colorado Attorney General's Office

Dalpiaz shows how a caring and thoughtful parent can recognize the devastation of family violence and help children recover and live happy, violence-free childhoods.

Shows how family violence develops and explains how deeply it traumatizes children within the family who witness the horror, then guides adults to parent these children in ways that will help them recover emotional stability and health.

Acknowledgments

Introduction

The Grooming Process

The Mask of Anger

Breaking the Communication Barriers

Attitude Adjustment

Sabotage

Just Behave Yourself

Control

Monkey in the Middle

Labels

To Be or Not to Be a Victim

Success Is Your Final Answer