The Five: Narratives of Victims and Survivors offers deeply personal firsthand accounts from individuals who have survived violent relationships and rebuilt their lives. These narratives go beyond typical case studies, detailing each survivor's journey from childhood trauma to current strategies for coping. The stories help readers recognize generational patterns of abuse, while editor commentaries and social science research provide academic context. The book equips readers with strategies to navigate their own relationships and support others in dangerous situations. It also discusses the long-term impacts of abuse, safety tips for confronting partners, and methods for breaking the cycle. Intimate and insightful, The Five is an indispensable resource for courses on intimate partner violence, sociology, victimology, and social sciences, offering effective interventions to end abuse.

On a beautiful day, in September of this year, one of our "Five" gained her wings. It has taken me a bit to process all of the many ways that this heroic woman touched not just me, but her family, the Domestic Violence community, and subsequently, the entire world. Her passing has left a hole in our community that will remain, always. Though the ache of it may ease as the years' pass.

What may I say about Tanjua? I knew her as a warrior for others' safety. I knew her as a mother, grandmother of 10, cousin, aunt, and friend to an extensive extended family and grateful community. But more than anything, I knew her for the incredible and dynamic survivor of unspeakable trauma that she was. There aren't enough words in anyone's lexicon to express the gratitude that is owed to this “sur-Thriver” of Domestic Violence and her work to educate others and protect the ‘least of these’ from those same horrors. But more than that, the story of her survival and rise from the ashes of betrayal is the stuff of legends.

As with many survivors of Domestic Violence, there were many layers to not just the life she lived before and after escaping abuse. But to the many ways she shared her strength and wisdom with those who were willing to listen. Tanjua worked unceasingly to educate local, county, and state law enforcement as to the true dynamics of Domestic Violence. While advocating strongly for multi-layer legal reform, she spoke often to law enforcement groups. She recognized the need to reeducate and truly integrate police agencies, emergency advocates, and other first responders to become the strong allies that DV victims and survivors so desperately need, using the understanding of the dynamics to aid first responders in staying safe in such situations.

Tanjua has left a legacy of education, strength, and determination. She will forever be a shining example of what it means to not give up, even when faced with the direst of events. The life of Tanuja Mays was and is the embodiment of the joy and beauty of what rising from the ashes looks like.