Coercive Relationships provides a beacon for survivors of partner abuse. Parker's nonjudgmental, empathic voice offers knowledge gleaned from years of experience. Survivors gain answers to frequently asked questions:

- Am I being abused?

- Why do they hurt me?

- Why do I feel so crazy?

- What can I change?

- Why do they believe they should control us?

- How do I recognize abuse of power?

- How do I heal?

Each chapter contains illustrative vignettes and suggestions for reflection to assist readers in discovering what they want.

Coercive Relationships lifts the private shame survivors feel by connecting their abusers' actions to societal values and beliefs that permit all forms of violence.