Author Gives Back to Those Who Helped Save Her Life

A new book by Lisa J Peck takes readers into the life of Charlene, an upper middle class mother who is hiding a secret that could kill her and her kids. Read how she escapes her domestic violence marriage and what life after the escape was like.

(PRWEB) September 11, 2005 -- I have a college degree, beautiful children, and an upper level middle-class life. How can I be an abused wife?" -- excerpt from "Escaping the Shadows."

In the new book "Escaping the Shadows," by bestselling author Lisa J Peck, readers follow Charlene, an upper middle-class woman through her abuse, to her escape and the problems that follow. During the course of the journey, she moves away from an abusive pattern in her life to self-awareness.

I wrote 'Escaping the Shadows' to serve as an insight for those who want to know what it is like, being an upper middle class mother of six, going through the escape of an abusive relationship and then divorce," said Peck. I put my whole heart into the book in hopes it would touch others in similar situations and show them that there is a way to a better life. I know there are people out there suffering silently who need the message that they aren't all alone."

A recent study shows that, in Utah, one in every 3 women has experienced emotional or physical abuse by an intimate partner sometime in their life. Even more sobering, the study reveals that 40% of women have been abused at some time in their lives. 1 in 5 children witness or hear verbal abuse and 1 in 14 children witness or hear physical abuse. Witnessing family violence is stressful to children and is a risk factor for long-term physical and mental health problems.
   
Jennie Hansen of Meridian Magazine says this; 'Escaping the Shadows' is another examination of a popular social issue. 'Escaping the Shadows' is especially written for those who are divorced or who have self-esteem issues stemming from abuse. An excellent gift for the person seeking help and consolation at a trying time in life."

Novel hits close to home:
Lisa J. Peck knows what it is like to be a victim of domestic violence. Peck said for years she and her children were terrorized by her husband suffering both physical and verbal abuse. Television and newspaper reports that tell of fatal domestic violence sends a cold chill through Peck, knowing she could have been the one killed.

Peck says that she did not know that she was in a domestic violence situation until she received awareness and guidance from the various different educational, therapy, and government agencies.

I attended a local domestic violence support group," Peck says. There I felt safe enough to talk about what was going on at home. In those classes' professionals in the community volunteered their time to come to talk to us for free and teach us about the seriousness of our situation.

It was through attending these different classes that I learned how to safely escape the abuse I was in. I may not be alive today without the aid of the different programs."

Peck has said that once you are out of the marriage and safely away from the situations there are a lot more problems to face. She wished she would have known what was in store for her as a single mother.

There were so many living angels that aided me. I will always be grateful to the whole community that helped me get out of that situation. I hope 'Escaping the Shadows' sheds light on abusers and victims and the perception of them in our society. "

About Lisa J Peck:
Lisa has taken her storytelling to audiences of all ages through a variety of mediums. Lisa is the Executive Producer of the best selling film Christmas Mission" and the Heartland Award Winner Film Cowboys and Angels." She is the author of The Truth Seeker Trilogy: "Dangerous Memories," "More Precious than Diamonds," and "Nauvoo's Magic." She has also written "Life with the Kids," "Loving for a Lifetime," "A Challenge for Brittany," "What about Me?," "Mothers of the Prophets: Lucy Mack Smith," and "Mothers of the Prophets: Abigail Howe Young." She is currently working on the next "Mothers of the Prophets: Jennette Eveline Evans McKay" and a new CTR Club book series for 6-12 year olds. After over 20 awards, 10 books, several films, and countless published articles, she continues to touch audiences with her words. Her topics of writing range from humor, self-help, informational, historical, romance, literary, adult woman's fiction, young adult, middle-grade, and picture book. For more information on "Escaping the Shadows," visit www.escapingtheshadows.com. The book is available at Deseret Book, Seagull Book or escapingtheshadows.com.

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