Miles addresses the issues related to inadequate pastoral response to this pervasive problem. He explores the dynamics of abusive relationships and the role which clergy members can take to heal this painful situation. The revised edition, designed to reach pastors and individuals "preparing to serve," builds upon the insights, policies, and programs in the original volume, including new information on the pathology of domestic violence and the effect the economic downturn is having on victims-survivors and batterers. Miles also focuses on helping clergy and other pastoral ministers develop a more compassionate response to victims-survivors who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender.