According to a World Health Organization Fact Sheet, among women ages 15-44, violence accounts for more death and disability than the combined effects of cancer, malaria, traffic injuries and war: "On average, at least one in three women is subjected to intimate partner violence in the course of her lifetime."

When Love Hurts was first published in 2000 to help women recognize the signs of abuse in a relationship and the abusive strategies their partner uses to control and disempower them. It also provides tools on what to do if a woman is experiencing abuse. The first edition sold over 11,000 copies outside of standard trade channels, largely through world of mouth.

Along with stories of women who have experienced many forms of abuse, When Love Hurts also offers exercises that allow readers to make their own decisions about their lives, or to understand what a friend or family member may be going through.

An important resource, this second edition includes updates, new exercises to help women understand what they are experiencing, information on Internet usage and a much-requested chapter on grief and the healing process. The book explores difficult questions and offers straightforward, real world advice about an epidemic problem in society - and one that women often keep silent about.