This startling analysis of violence within intimate relationships contends that every abusive relationship has, paradoxically, a heart of its own. Practitioners must acknowledge and engage this dynamic emotional center in order for interventions to succeed. The Heart of Intimate Abuse takes a broad, critical view of standard responses to abuse by today's criminal justice, social work, and medical systems - especially those that respond to violence with coercive interventions such as mandatory arrest, prosecution, and reporting laws. Here is a bold vision of the core dynamics of abuse in families - a vision that professionals can use to realize new policies and implement effective interventions that reach the heart of intimate abuse.