Stories of a Domestic Violence Advocate is a collection of fact based stories told from the perspective of domestic violence advocates. Each engaging story is based on a combination of hypothetical real life situations and true events. bHowever, certain details have been changed to protect the privacy and confidentiality of those involved. The stories cover a diverse range of groups in terms of ethnicity, age, religious belief, and gender. They address timely issues related to domestic violence including custody battles, restraining orders, struggles to obtain emergency food and housing, navigating social services and paperwork, dealing with law enforcement, and attitudes of family members, battered women, and others involved in the process. Each story addresses at least one topic that is all too familiar to those involved with domestic violence and reveal the gritty reality of this dangerous, destructive scourge of our society. The author's purpose for this anthology is to give a voice to those who have gone through this experience and convey to readers the struggle, heartbreak, triumphs, and courage that surrounds each of their stories. It will heighten awareness and encourage introspection, causing the reader to examine their most closely held opinions, empathies, and beliefs. It will challenge them to dig deeper and reach farther as they are launched into a world that is shrouded in shame and secrecy. Within these pages they will hear the voices of the men and women who have lived this life. Sometimes they see themselves there. This book is an exceptional way to raise awareness on such an important topic. It is an outstanding educational tool for families, victims, law enforcement, social workers, and anyone who aspires to work in some way to assist battered women. While Stories of a Domestic Violence Advocate is entertaining and enthralling, it addresses relevant, substantial subject matter that affects our society at its very core - the family. Though it deals with real life social issues, it is more engaging than clinical case studies. The issues are woven into the day-to-day drama of relatable characters who experience life's twists and turns, joys and sorrows - all while bringing the reader along for the ride. The stories are short and fast passed, told in a way the draws the reader in, allowing them to live it right along with the characters. This book is great for classrooms, individual therapy, and support groups, as well as training purposes for law enforcement, advocacy, and social workers. Its companion volume, Stories of a Domestic Violence Advocate, Participants Edition, is an excellent self-help tool that will further enrich the reader's experience and understanding while challenging their opinions and ideals. Too often we think we know the stories, the struggles, the best solutions, and we use those perceptions as a basis to form our own opinions about how we would handle such situations. You think you know what you would do when, in fact, until you have walked in that world you really don't know at all. This book helps readers walk in that world.