National Network for Equitable Library Service

Standing Together is a powerful expression of women's collective and individual strength. It is a collection of personal stories from women who have suffered the horrors of violence and abuse and have made the hardest decision: to stand up, choose life, take control and walk away from the darkness. The disturbing, compelling, and inspiring stories in Standing Together were written by women of all ages, professions, and ethnicities, from rural and urban areas and all social backgrounds; they could be women you know. They tell of abuse at the hands of husbands, boyfriends and partners, fathers and strangers. They tell of deciding to seek help, leaving a life of fear for one of hope. They tell of the family, friends, and strangers that helped them rebuild their lives. Taken together, they form a greater story of hope and inspiration: You are not alone. You can make a change. You can survive this, get through the pain, and build a new life. You have the strength; we have the strength when we stand together.