The Cost of Fear

Praise

“Intriguing . . . This is sure to stir debate.”
—Publishers Weekly

“Stone provides a practical, deeply needed resource that expands rather than diminishes the world for women.”
—Booklist

“The Cost of Fear delivers a compelling critique of the shortcomings of conventional safety practices. Through meticulous evidence-based research and personal stories, Stone suggests more effective strategies for eliminating gender-based violence.”
—Wendy Rouse, author of Her Own Hero

“Meg Stone offers her incredible knowledge with love and compassion, an essential guide for resistance-based self-defense training. Drawing from her decades-long experience, Stone empowers you to build mental resilience and vital techniques for developing situational awareness to defuse gender-based violence quickly for your safety. The Cost of Fear is a must-read for people of all genders and ages, regardless of their fitness and experience levels.”
—Rev. Irene Monroe, co-host of All Rev’d Up on Boston Public Radio

“Meg Stone has written a powerful, accessible, and devastatingly acute analysis of the pervasiveness of gender-based violence and why our efforts to prevent it have failed, packed with expert insight drawn from her decades-long career and practical tips to empower women and others who are targeted. The Cost of Fear moved me, enraged me, and educated me. I don’t think I’ll ever stop thinking about it. I wish this book weren’t necessary. But until we live in a better world, get this book.”
—Alex Marzano-Lesnevich, author of The Fact of a Body

“In The Cost of Fear, Meg Stone weaves together stories—from the individual to the organizational—and extensive research to offer a comprehensive understanding of the problem of gender-based violence. She makes a clear, compelling case for safety through resistance to both protect individuals and change society. Valuable for everyone from policy-makers to individuals wanting to increase their safety, this book can change the world.”
—Lauren R. Taylor, founder-director of Defend Yourself