My dear friend,

I started reading your book and it was hard for me to put this book down. For the thirty years that I've known you, I never knew you were married before. You never know what goes on behind closed doors. Your mother was a good woman to put up with all that abuse for so many years. Reading your book brought back a lot of bad memories of abuse in my own marriage. After all these years I found the answer to one of my own questions.

Yes, you are so right - domestic abuse in a family affects the children. I can see as a young boy you had so much anger building up and carrying it into your relationship. I am so happy you found help for your problems. Everyone has made bad choices in their life. This book is an inspiration to all that will read it, and they will learn from the mistakes you made. May God continue to bless you and your family. Whatever you do at the DAC, please keep doing it; we need more men like you.

H.M.

Mr. and Mrs. Smith,

I met you both on Hilton Head Island, SC in February, 2003 at the Voices for a Violence Free Community Conference. It was indeed an honor to meet you both. Thank you for sending me a copy of your wonderful book Real Men Don't Abuse Women by mail. Your story will help more people than you will ever know. It is not easy to share our secrets and problems with friends much less strangers. I do believe when we live our lives and triumph over our personal obstacles and various situations, that it is our duty to share and help others along their journeys because we've lived throuth it and truly understand what they are going through.

Thank you for being strong and brave enough to share your story. You both have touched my life and helped me deal with some unresolved issues in my past.

Thank you again.

R.B.R

I was charged with domestic violence after my wife called 911 and the police arrested me. This was not the first time that I had abused my wife. It was the first time she had called 911. The judge gave me a choice: 30 days in jail or attend the Domestic Abuse Center for 26 weeks.

My father and stepfather abused my mother and she never called the police. It was the forth or fifth session that I realized I had a serious problem with violence. For the rest of the sessions I made an honest effort to learn how to deal with my issues. My home today is a better place because I have taken responsibility to be a better husband and father. I would recommend the Domestic Abuse Center to anyone who has a problem with abuse. I will always be indebted to the DAC for helping me save my marriage.

During each session Smitty would say something about our state being in the top five in the nation for individuals being killed. The first time I saw Smitty at the Orientation I thought, 'This man is crazy.' I finally brought a copy of his book Real Men Don't Abuse Women today. I say we need more people like Smitty, a person who will question you during the sessions when you are not being honest with the group.

B.G.

Dad,

It takes a real man to recognize when he has a problem and needs to get help; these changes have saved our famil and I thank you for loving us enough to make a CHANGE!

Thanks Dad.

I love you.

Your daughter,
CeCe