Discussion points:

Accepting abuse: Latonya admits that she doesn't know why her friends put up with physical and emotional abuse. She thinks she hasn't been abused because she was raised by a strong, loving mother who helped her develop self-esteem. What's the connection? Can your students think of any reason why Latonya's friends stay in abusive relationships? Is it because they can't find other men?

Recognizing abusers: Latonya claims she can tell if someone is "immature or violent" when she meets them. But she doesn't elaborate on how she can tell. How do your clients think she can tell? Is she being realistic? For example, would someone looking at Bernard Goetz think him capable of shooting someone? Does O.J. Simpson "look like" an abuser?

Advice: What advice would your friends give to Latonya's friends? Should Latonya tell someone else about her friends' problems? Her mother? Another friend? A teacher or counselor? Has Latonya done enough to help?