In this book, Jenny duBay helps survivors of intimate partner violence identify their situation and begin to heal. With empathy and compassion, she covers such topics as what domestic abuse is, the trauma of sexual assault and coercion, verbal attacks and isolation, and the evils of manipulative control within intimate relationships. She also discusses details on what the Catholic Church teaches about personal dignity, sacramental marriages, and the nature of domestic abuse. Jenny reveals the impact intimate abuse has on targets, providing practical and Christ-centered ways heal-no matter where a survivor may be on her journey.

For those who have had to leave their relationships, Jenny discusses the annulment process and what it truly means-including the immense healing it can provide. For individuals who hope reconciliation can happen, she thoroughly and compassionately discusses the possibility of abusers changing their ways, helping readers determine what authentic repentance looks like-and when so-called repentance is just another abuse tactic. Whether you're still married or have had to separate yourself from a toxic relationship, Don't Plant Your Seeds Among Thorns helps you navigate trauma while providing resources and gentle guidance toward Christ-centered healing and empowerment of our true self, as God created you to be.

Testimonials:

"Drawing from the Catechism, the Theology of the Body, and various other trusted Catholic resources, Jenny opens the way to genuine healing for those seeking freedom from abusive relationships." - Christopher West, Th.D., President, Theology of the Body Institute

"Jenny duBay has written a marvelous book, which plumbs the meaning of scripture and helps victims and survivors connect their faith with the evil they have experienced--should be required reading for all parish ministers." - Fr. Charles W. Dahm, O.P., Director of Archdiocese of Chicago Domestic Violence Outreach

"Jenny duBay has created a tender wake-up call for wounded wives in abusive marriages." - Bonny Logsdon Burns, Certified Partner Coach through the Association of Partners of Sex Addicts Trauma Specialists and co-host of Hope for Wives podcast

"With candor and conciseness, Jenny duBay has written a book that brings clarity and practical wisdom for men and women who may find themselves stuck in the suffocating cycle of domestic abuse." - Angela Erickson, host of the Integrated with Angela podcast

"A must-read for all those accompanying people on their path to live a safe and sacred life free of violence." - Sharon O'Brien, Ph.D., Co-Founder and Executive Director of Catholics for Family Peace, Initiative of National Institute for the Family

"The truth, clarity and practical advice contained in this book make it an invaluable resource for those enduring such trauma, and for those of us walking alongside of God's wounded daughters." - De Yarrison, CPCC, foundress of You Are Made New Ministry and Laura Ercolino, foundress of Hope's Garden

"Throughout this work the author's wisdom and empathy shine through each page, which results in the illumination of a definitive path towards the reclaiming of one's dignity and becoming a survivor of abuse, especially abuse within the institution of marriage." - Christina M. Sorrentino, author of Belonging to Christ: Catholic Poetry

"Comprehensive, practical and healing, this book is a must-read for anyone suffering from an abusive relationship." - Jocelyn Soriano, author of various self-help and Catholic books including Mend My Broken Heart and 366 Days of Compassion

"For any who are seeking inspiration or direction from the brokenness of life, I whole-heartedly endorse Jenny's writings." - Michael Snellen, founder of I AM Catholic and Catholic Creators