It is clear from the pages that follow that the physical abuse of one individual by another, or by both individuals of each other, is an integral component of some intimate relationships, perhaps many intimate relationships. This book is not about the violence as much as it is a reflection on our responses to—or our lack of responses to—that violation of physical integrity and the accompanying emotional and mental trauma. As these next pages indicate, we all too often fail to recognize the signs of physical violence. On those occasions when we are able to perceive clearly the situation of a friend or relative or neighbor, or.
