In case you haven't already scrolled down and my feelings about The Gift of Fear and Other Survival Signals that Protect Us From Violence
by Gavin de Becker aren't obvious to you yet, I really really really think that everyone should read this book. Even more than that, I think everyone should own this book. Go buy it so you have it on your shelf when you need it. Is this an entertaining read? Not particularly. Is it informative? Without a doubt. This book can save your life.
Everyone has their own story. A time when something felt "off." When a person didn't seem "quite right." For no reason, you had your doubts and in the end those doubts were right. Too often, women especially, shrug off those feelings as being "ridiculous." We don't want to put someone out. We don't want to be rude, or to seem pushy when we don't have a "concrete" reason to. This book outlines exactly why it's so important to listen to yourself. Listen to your inner monologue when it says "this isn't a good idea."
In this empowering book, Gavin de Becker, the man Oprah Winfrey calls the US' leading expert on violent behaviour, shows you how to spot even subtle signs of danger - before it's too late. Shattering the myth that most violent acts are unpredictable, de Becker, whose clients include top Hollywood stars and government agencies, offers specific ways to protect yourself and those you love, including: how to act when approached by a stranger; when you should fear someone close to you; what to do if you are being stalked; how to uncover the source of anonymous threats or phone calls; the biggest mistake you can make with a threatening person; and more. You can learn to spot the danger signals others miss. It might just save your life. -- Goodreads.
I read this book a couple of years ago and immediately felt that as many people as possible should know about it. I re-read it just so I could post about it and tell you about it. Read it. Give it your friends. Give it to your relatives.
The statistics surrounding domestic violence and assault are astounding. Someone you know (whether you're aware of it or not) has been a victim of domestic abuse. While I've been lucky and have not been personally victimized, people close to me have been. It's an issue that cannot be taken lightly, because we have all been affected. This book will teach you how to listen to your own intuition and identify situations that are potentially dangerous to your well being. It will teach you how to help others if someone you know is a victim.
If you are a victim, know that you are not alone and there is a way out.
THE NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINE at 1-800-799-7233
THE NATIONAL SEXUAL ASSAULT HOTLINE AT 1-800-656-4673
THE NATIONAL TEEN DATING ABUSE HOTLINE AT 1-866-331-9474
Hm. I've never heard of this book. I agree, though, that many (most, even?) victims of domestic violence suffer in silence. You never really know what goes on between two people behind closed doors.
ReplyDeleteI'll check this out.
Kelly
My cousin, who volunteers at a rape recovery center and is herself a victim of assault, has been trying to get me to read this for years. I keep putting it off, because I feel like I read enough depressing things and I'm paranoid enough as it is. I may reconsider though, given your strong feelings about it!
ReplyDeleteAmanda - I would definitely give it a shot. Even if you just sit it on your shelf and read few pages at a time, it's a worthwhile read. And FWIW, I don't feel like the book made me more nervous or paranoid about possible dangers. If anything, it emphasizes the importance of not letting anxiety overwhelm you on a day-to-day basis so that when something is wrong you'll take notice.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this book's importance. It's on my list!
ReplyDeleteI will be adding this onto my list at Amazon, thank you for the recommendation!
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