In this text the author traces her beginnings as a student researcher trying to understand the biases of traditional research by engaging in participatory research with a group of battered women in Gallup, New Mexico. Using Paulo Freires concept of dialogue, Pat talks with former battered women in their kitchens, transcribes the interviews and presents the women in their own words. Together they move through a cycle of reflection and action, reaching for a solution to the problem-how to move forward after living with violent men. This highly creative work will involve the reader in theory and practice.