My publisher, Routledge Mental Health, is offering this 20% discount code to order Triumph Over Abuse direct from them. To use the code, enter it at the following link: https://www.routledge.com/Triumph-Over-Abuse-Healing-Recovery-and-Purpose-after-an-Abusive-Relationship/Murray/p/book/9780367646455?utm_source=individuals&utm_medium=shared_link&utm_campaign=B011951_ca1_1au_1aj_d741.

I was grateful for the opportunity to be interviewed by UNCG News for this article on domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic. You can read the full article here: https://news.uncg.edu/domestic-violence-during-pandemic/.

It takes time to learn to trust others after being hurt by an abusive partner. Take time to get to know people, and set healthy boundaries to let supportive people in and keep distance from those who are hurtful.

Quote source: Triumph Over Abuse book, page 48

Along the journey of healing from past abuse, there are people who can help you, but also others who can hinder your progress. Surround yourself with the right kind of support, and learn to set boundaries with those who may get in the way of your progress.

#domesticviolence #overcomingabuse #mentalhealth #triumphoverabuse

I'm looking forward to presenting this upcoming Healthy Relationships Initiative program on healthy communications and boundary setting in relationships! This virtual program is free to attend, and you can register via Eventbrite by clicking here.

Whether abuse occurs during or after an intimate relationship ends, it is never the victim's fault. Abuse is always the responsibility of the one who is perpetrating it.

Quote Source: Triumph Over Abuse book, p. 130.

In Chapter 4 of Triumph Over Abuse, I write in detail about the potential value of educating yourself about abuse as part of the recovery process. In our See the Triumph research, we've heard from many survivors how important gaining new knowledge and understanding about the dynamics of abuse was to understanding their past experiences.

There are many useful tools available for learning about abusive relationships, including books, websites, online and in-person workshops, and talking with other survivors and professionals. If you're on the journey of healing from past abuse, take time to map out a plan that will work for you.

One resource that may offer a good starting point is the Collections section of our See the Triumph website, which has resources and blog posts organized by different topics.

Along the journey of recovering from past abuse, it is important to make your peace a priority. Make choices to practice self-care, honor your boundaries in relationships with others, and honor the big and small steps you take toward healing.

One of my favorite chapters to write in Triumph Over Abuse was Chapter 5, Taking Back Control of your Mind. The mind control tactics that many abusers use to gain and maintain power of their partners are one of the lesser known aspects of abusive relationships. And yet, this aspect abuse can have a powerful influence on survivors' recovery processes.

Learning to identify potentially negative thought patterns, correct faulty belief systems that hinder your progress, and build new, growth-promoting belief systems all can be critical parts of healing from past abuse.

For many survivors, taking back control of their minds is a significant step toward healing. This is a process, however, and not just a one-time event. Building more positive, empowering thinking patterns and underlying belief systems takes time, but being intentional in this area can be extremely valuable in the overall healing journey.