Violence Among Us: Ministry to Families in Crisis

This book offers practical help in identifying abusive situations. It has strategic counseling tips, case studies and models of effective ministry to both the victim and the perpetrator. There are resource lists which include domestic violence hotlines and shelters, faith-based organizations, abuser treatment programs, and information on legal and safety issues.

Brenda Branson and Paula J. Silva together founded FOCUS Ministries, Inc., a not-for-profit organization that offers help and hope to women who are struggling in dysfunctional relationships, especially those involving domestic violence. Branson is director of FOCUS Women's Center in Madisonville, KY and Silva is director of FOCUS Women's Center in Wood Dale, IL. Both are active members of the American Association of Christian Counselors, and they regularly lead training events, conferences, and workshops on the topic of family violence.

Branson has published over 800 articles and resources on domestic violence, including one she co-authored with Silva in Christian Counseling Today Magazine in 2005.

Silva holds an M.A. in Guidance and Counseling, and serves on the Inter Faith Advisory Committee for Chicago Mayor Daley's Office of Domestic Violence.