It Takes a Woman to Empower Women: A Survivor's Guide to Creating the Life of Her Dreams Paperback – Import, 2 August 2023

An impressive book and an essential tool for gaining clarity on how to survive intergenerational intimate terrorism; because that’s a more accurate term to describe what we commonly call 'domestic violence'. “Intimate terrorism” is much more descriptive of the aggression many women experience within their homes, when no one is watching... Having been a victim myself, and as someone who has supported other women through terrible experiences, I highly recommend this essential work. I deeply appreciate the unique perspective of author Johanna Crawford on this cruel issue and the ways offered to address it. The book helps us identify and acknowledge the behaviors that lead us to suffering. It also helps us realize that we have the strength to survive, persevere, and emerge empowered after enduring such dire situations. Through her brilliant insight, Jo Crawford offers the reader a powerful pathway to survival. Reading the true stories and the accomplishments of these brave women in their quest to rediscover themselves made me feel supported and helped me realize the true value of our personal and collective power as women. The contrast between strength and tenderness is, for me, the essence of love, a concept that this book conveys – it helps us take a compassionate and loving look at ourselves, knowing that, at the same time, we can muster the strength to emerge empowered from any abusive situation.

Jo takes the reader through stories of women who have overcome huge obstacles. She details, and repeats all the positive actions and thoughts that a survivor requires to make incremental changes that can make it from surviving to thriving. Numerous exercises help reinforce, with case studies, the step-wise process of getting from being overwhelmed to achieving a life's dream. There are dozens of resources listed and simple worksheets to guide the process. Anyone who has family, friends or colleagues that are struggling to move from desperation to moving forward needs this resource. I will purchase print copies to have on hand for when I hear a cry for help.

Reading this book helped me realize the hardships that many women (including myself) face at some point in their lives. It also showed me the importance of working together and supporting each other. The book is not only a compilation of stories but a powerful resource with journal tasks and a list of resources to help women recover their independence and power. Praise to the author, this book will empower those it reaches.

The most important message of this life-transforming book is Self-Care. This is how women facing intimate terrorism take their power back. Jo shows us how to start repairing our lives by focusing on ourselves. At the end of each chapter, she includes an Invitation to Self-Care and Healing. There are writing prompts, journal ideas and questions that are focused and on point. I found these very well laid out, simple to follow and very helpful. I loved the concept of the Dream Proposal; I think this guide should be taught in schools. Women who suffer from any kind of abuse often forget about themselves, they believe they are unworthy and undeserving and invalid. This book is the first step towards building a better future and realising you deserve to dream big and out loud. I would recommend this book to any woman, a thoroughly empowering and inspiring read.

Ms. Crawford knows how to tell a story, weaving into her tales both research and invaluable information for women who find themselves in intimate abuse situations. The reader benefits from knowledge that Ms. Crawford gained in her years directing the non-profit Web of Benefit, an organization that enabled many women, through grants, to find freedom from the financial abuse they had suffered at the hands of partners. I plan to keep a couple of hard copies on hand for those times when someone I know needs to escape from a toxic abuse relationship or deal with its aftermath.