Sociologist and clinical psychologist Thomas Cottle discusses his book "Children's Secrets." In the book, children reveal, in their own words, the impact of such painful secrets as violence, infidelity, incest, debt, alcoholism, and mental illness--on each member of their family.

Author Susan Brownmiller discusses and reads from her book “Waverly Place”, a fictional story heavily inspired by the Lisa Steinberg child abuse case of 1987. Brownmiller discusses the details of the case and how domestic abuse, law enforcement, and the judicial system affected the outcome of this case. Studs plays "She Sits on the Table" - Tom Paxton (1980).

Terkel presents songs that discuss the subject of domestic violence against women. Songs range from ballads in musicals, to jazz torch songs, to popular music at the time.

Rory Gilbert of United Charities and family therapist Nikki Nelson discuss battered wives and family abuse. The song "She Sits On The Table" by Tom Paxton is played at the end of the interview (00:49:48-end).

Discussing battered women with the director of the Evanston Shelter for Battered Women, June Terpstra. Two women, Ann and Donna, talk about their experiences of abuse with their husbands.