Have you ever wondered: "Why doesn't she/he just leave?" "Why does he let her push him around? He's such a big guy?" "How can it be domestic violence? I've never seen a bruise on her/him?" "Why doesn't she/he just call the cops?" People often ask these questions when they do not have a full understanding of the dynamics of domestic violence. "Wifebeater" shirts are a stereotype not a style. In Wife Beater Shirt Optional, Dr. Laura Streyffeler dispels the myths and stereotypes about domestic violence and helps the reader to have a stronger understanding of the dynamics of domestic violence. Dr. Streyffeler will also help the reader understand the differences between a healthy, unhealthy and abusive relationship. All relationships experience challenges, conflict, and changes. Often times when these challenges and conflicts occur, couples struggle to communicate in a loving and healthy way. Conflict occurs when two (or more) people disagree. Conflict is a normal and healthy part of a relationship. If conflict escalates into verbal or physical violence, and one partner attacks the other, instead of addressing the problem, that's abuse. In a healthy relationship, both partners want to resolve the conflict. In an abusive relationship, one partner wants to solve the conflict, but the abusive partner does not care about solving the conflict. He/she only wants to "win", be right or get his/her or way. When one person has all the control in the relationship, makes all (or most) of the decisions, and will do whatever it takes to win and get his/her way and maintain control in the relationship, that is an abusive relationship...even if there has never been physical violence. After unraveling the myths about domestic violence, trauma and the reasons why victims stay (and leave) abusive relationships, tools for assessing the types and extent of the abuse, and practical safety planning for leaving an abusive relationship are provided. If you, or someone you care about, question whether or not you are in an abusive relationship, then this book is for you.