What you'll learn
Why Stories Matter 📖
How fiction, memoirs, and lived experiences help us actually understand intimate partner violence—beyond just the stats.
The Bigger Picture 🔍
The role of colonialism, systemic oppression, and intergenerational trauma in shaping abusive dynamics (because it’s never just about one bad relationship).
Healing & Self-Reflection 💬
A space for you to process, reflect, and reclaim your power with discussion questions, journaling prompts, and a therapist-approved roadmap.
What’s Inside?
📚 Five powerful books (fiction & memoir) that shine a light on the realities of intimate partner violence. ☕ Catherine's reflections on why It Ends With Us isn’t included (yes, we’re going there). 📝 Discussion questions & journaling prompts to help you process, reflect, and heal. 🌍 Beyond Individual Stories—how colonialism, systemic oppression, and intergenerational trauma shape experiences of intimate partner violence. 💰 A value-packed resource worth $350 (aka two full hours of therapy—on the house).
Who’s This For?
✅ Survivors looking for validation and healing. 💖 Friends & family who want to support loved ones. 📚 Book-lovers who are curious about intimate partner violence in a digestible, engaging way.
Why This Matters
Understanding intimate partner violence isn’t just about stats and studies. Stories—both real and fictional—help us see, feel, and get it in a way facts alone can’t. Whether you’re healing, supporting a loved one, or just want to be informed, this book list is the perfect place to start your journey in helping us end Intimate Partner Violence.
Catherine Sullivan, RSW
Therapist, book lover, and your no-nonsense guide to navigating intimate partner violence (IPV). With years in child protection (aka the frontlines of family chaos), she knows the patterns, the red flags, and exactly how to help you break the cycle—without the sugarcoating. When she’s not empowering survivors and calling out toxic relationship tropes, you’ll find her curled up with a book, probably yelling at a protagonist to dump him already. She’s got the expertise, the lived experience, and the zero patience for bad excuses. Whether you need insight, validation, or just someone to confirm that, yes, you deserve better—Catherine’s your girl.
Julie Burnett, RSW
The fierce, big-sister-energy therapist you didn’t know you needed. If there’s a place where survivors have needed support—family law, emergency shelters, transitional housing, group therapy—she’s been there, done that, and probably left a glitter trail of empowerment behind. Julie co-facilitates the Stronger Together course with Catherine, bringing her “we got this” vibe and years of experience to help survivors break free and build the life they deserve. She’s all about real talk, solid plans, and making sure you never have to navigate this alone. Buckle up, because with Julie, healing comes with a side of hype and a whole lot of heart. 💖
📖 Snag Your Free Book List! 📖
You bring the cozy reading spot, we’ll bring the books that will change the way you see intimate partner violence. By downloading this list, you’ll also get access to our email newsletter—where we share survivor-centered insights, resources, and support (with a healthy dose of fun & empowerment).
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