Before I published When Dating Hurts as a book or podcast,
I asked dating and domestic violence thought​ leaders for advice.
Here's what they said:
"When Dating Hurts is an unflinching look at the tragic loss of a remarkable young woman, and her parents’ struggle to make sense of her violent death. Through Bill Mitchell‘s compelling prose, we get to know Kristin Mitchell first as a child and then as a young adult just starting out in life. 
      "It’s a tribute to the power of faith, a glimpse into the criminal justice system, a text book about abusive relationships. Bill reveals Kristin‘s worries about her boyfriend's controlling behavior and provides information for others to recognize these signs. 
      "Remarkably, we see intervention happening in real-time when survivors share their experiences. We learn about the Mitchells’ work to spare other families such tragedy. This book will steal your heart, educate your mind, and inspire you to take action to end the carnage.
      "​Please read When Dating Hurts." 
— Lynn Rosenthal, first-ever White House Advisor on Violence against Women; President, The Center for Family Safety and Healing at Nationwide Children’s Hospital
"When Dating Hurts captures the hurt not only of dating violence victims but of their loved ones when such violence results in senseless murder. Bill conveys the true essence of what surviving family members endure and sensitively addresses the search for justice. The Mitchell family’s willingness to help other survivors is admirable and inspiring, and ensures that Kristin’s inspiring young life will live on in all of us.”
 — Anne Seymour, National Crime Victim/Survivor Advocate, Washington, D.C.
“Bill writes with a deep personal understanding of the ultimate price of domestic violence. Readers will be touched by the impact Kristin’s death had, not only on her family but on the expanding circles of people who did not have the privilege of knowing he­r. The Mitchells’ sharing what they have learned is a gift to all who may someday need this information. When Dating Hurts is a ‘must-read’ for parents and other adults who are in a position to provide guidance to teens and young adults.”
— Beth Sturman, Executive Director, Laurel House Domestic Violence Agency
“When Dating Hurts is heartfelt and horrific. Bill’s writing quickly captivates you and tugs at your heart while taking you into the depths of his tragedy. This is every parent’s worst nightmare and every educator’s promise to proactively protect. As educators, parents, partners, and protectors, we must read this even when it hurts our hearts.”
— Dr. Beverly R. Bryde, Dean, School of Education, Cabrini University
“This is a must-read for every parent, educator, aunt, uncle, grandparent, friend, co-worker (the list goes on), to understand dating violence and the toll a murder by an abuser can take on an entire family. Bill, Michele, and David Mitchell’s ‘superpowers’ are to stop dating violence in the name of their beloved daughter and sister, Kristin. In When Dating Hurts, the raw, true emotion of their lives is real, honest and heartbreaking. Bill’s words carry the reader through their journey as he tries to make sense of a senseless death. Thank you, Mitchell family, including friends of Kristin, for being her voice and the voice of so many victims of domestic and dating violence. Kristin will forever be alive in your hearts (and ours).”
— Colleen Lelli, EdD, Associate Professor of Education & Director of the Jordan Center for Children of Trauma and Domestic Violence Education, Cabrini University
“Kristin Mitchell was a beautiful St. Joseph’s University graduate with a bright future ahead... but her “boyfriend” destroyed her life in a horrific murder. Her family faces an ugly criminal trial outside of Philadelphia and begins a painful journey to understand “why.” Bill carefully weaves together the tragic story of his daughter’s murder, and the ‘red flags’ almost everyone missed until it was too late. This is a guide for us to avoid a similar fate. When Dating Hurts is a precious gift to you or someone you love.”
— Ben & Connie Clery | Clery Center for Security on Campus, Inc.
“Every family's worst nightmare is having a child murdered. This story of a family's heartbreak is one of courage, resiliency, and strength. Rather than falling apart, the Mitchells focused on healing and drawing attention to the tragedy of dating violence that is far too prevalent in our culture. In a raw, authentic way, Bill brings Kristin to life. Her story has already saved the lives of so many young women. This is a must-read for every parent—and all of us who work to end dating violence. It is a call to action to ensure that no other family is forced to endure what the Mitchells have.”    
— Raquel Kennedy Bergen, Ph.D., Professor, Director of Gender Studies St. Joseph’s University
“This book is about awareness, about enlightening our sons and our daughters; our brothers and our sisters; our friends, both male and female. It’s about all of us knowing what to look for and what to listen for, about erring on the side of safety, about saying something and doing something!”
— Cpl. David R. Thomas (ret.), Montgomery County Police, Montgomery County, Maryland National Domestic Violence Expert