Overcoming the Narcissist, Sociopath, Psychopath, and Other Domestic Abusers: The Comprehensive Handbook to Recognize, Remove, and Recover from Abuse by Charlene D. Quint, J.D., C.D.V.P.
Book Review
In this month’s blog, I will be reviewing a book that addresses domestic abuse and its impact on the family. October was Domestic Violence Awareness month, so the publishing of Charlene D. Quint’s book could not have come at a more perfect time. Many of you reading this have loved ones with addiction and mental health issues. You may have suffered verbal, emotional, or physical abuse as a result. Most of you know someone who is in an abusive relationship. That someone may be your daughter, sister, or close friend. I encourage you to get a copy of Overcoming for yourself and give one to your hurting friend or family member. The information found in its pages may help, even save, them from suffering any further harm at the hands of their abuser.
My Story
Growing up in a home with a father who struggled with alcoholism, I understand the verbal and emotional abuse that is addressed in Charlene’s book. When arguments between my parents got really bad, I would also witness the physical bullying and intimidation of my father towards my mother.
As an adult, I watched helplessly as my dear friend suffered abuse at the hands of her husband who was also in bondage to a porn addiction. Both my mom and my friend knew what their husbands were doing was wrong, but they were caught in a trap of believing that if somehow they changed and were better wives, better looking, or better lovers, their men would treat them better. They believed the lies that society placed on them telling them it was their fault and their job to fix it.
As a mom whose child has been held in the grips of addiction, I have met many women in the same situation. Some of these women have been beat up by their own children while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Some stood helplessly by as their daughter returned to her abusive partner, aka boyfriend, drug dealer, pimp.
I was recently made aware of young Christian woman who was beaten so badly she was not expected to live. Thankfully, she did pull through, but has a long road ahead of her. Sadly, this is not the first time she almost died at the hands of someone she should have been able to trust. When she is ready, I will be sending this book to her with my prayers for her healing and that she will never again feel the pain and fear of domestic violence.
“Domestic abuse is the most prevalent and yet the most silenced and misunderstood pandemic of our time. One third of women at some point in their lives will experience rape, stalking, or serious physical abuse at the hands of an intimate partner, and nearly half will experience emotional and verbal abuse and coercive control. Yet churches are largely silent on the subject.” ~Charlene D. Quint, Author of Overcoming The Narcissist and Other Domestic Abusers
Overcoming is available on Amazon well as other retailers.
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11 ESV
About the Book
Overcoming is a much-needed, comprehensive handbook for women who are desperately in need a way out of their abusive environment. Having experienced domestic abuse firsthand, Charlene addresses delicate issues such as, “recognizing the abuser, removing the abuser from your life, and recovering from the abuse.” She wisely offers expert advice on the topics of physical abuse, financial abuse, sexual abuse, spiritual abuse, emotional, and verbal abuse, as well as how to help children and family members affected by domestic violence.
I wish this book had been around when my mom and friend were in abusive relationships. It is not only written to those being abused, but to their friends and loved ones who want to help but don’t know how. All professionals including clergy, pastors, therapists, educators, and authorities will find it an excellent resource to help them grow in knowledge and understanding of how to address domestic violence within their community. Charlene takes an in-depth spiritual look at what the Bible teaches on marriage and how husbands are to treat their wives, as well as the mistakes churches and pastors make when counseling abused women and their husbands.
To say that Overcoming is comprehensive is an understatement. With over 560 pages and 49 chapters, Charlene has done her homework. The appendix is packed full of resources including domestic abuse intervention programs, crisis centers, housing, and where to find free legal services. Most importantly, her book is written to remind hurting women that they are loved by the Lord who desires to heal them and set them free.
Finally, I almost forgot to mention that the book was designed with a hidden cover that can be flipped inside out for those who prefer that its contents not be on public display. Genius!
I recommend you share Overcoming with all your friends who most likely know someone who needs to read it. It would make a great gift for your pastor’s wife, women’s ministry leader, family counselor, even your public library. More importantly, make sure you read it yourself. I have learned so much about a subject most are afraid to speak about by reading Charlene’s book. I know you will too.
Dear Lord,
We come to you and pray for our sisters who are suffering domestic abuse. We ask you to strengthen them and give them courage. Remind them that are not alone. Give us the wisdom to know when and how to help them. Above all else, guard them and keep them safe. We ask you to bless them with joy, peace, and remind them how very loved they are. In Jesus name we pray.
Amen.
Beautiful Blessings. Dawn
Bio: Charlene D. Quint is a family law attorney and Certified Domestic Violence Professional in the Chicago area who focuses her practice on helping women overcome domestic abuse. As a survivor herself, she courageously advocates for victims of domestic violence. She is the founder of Abuse Care, a faith-based organization devoted to helping women find hope and healing.