In this issue of Family Violence Prevention and Health Practice, we examine two pressing public health implications of abuse that often remain hidden and are beckoning for our attention. The insightful work of Dr. Vincent Felitti (1991; 1993) and colleagues at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention laid the groundwork for making the connection between adverse childhood experiences and a plethora of chronic health problems and risk behaviors including obesity. Since then, other researchers have documented the correlation between childhood abuse and neglect and the risk of obesity as an adult (Grilo et al, 2005; Lissau et al, 1994; Noll et al, 2007).

This issue begins with a study by Dr. Ann Coker and a team of researchers at the University of Kentucky who examined the link between abuse experienced as a child and/or adult and obesity. Their findings not only substantiate the connection between childhood abuse and obesity but also provide new data on a topic that we know very little about---the relationship between intimate partner violence (IPV) and obesity. Recognizing the long-term effects of IPV, the authors did not limit their investigation to current or recent victimization. Their findings of an association between lifetime IPV and obesity for women concur with a recent study by Black & Breiding (2008) and reiterate the need to consider how victimization may impact health long after the abuse has ended.

We are very fortunate to have a survivor's perspective on childhood abuse and obesity to help us translate the science into practice. Katariina Juliao, a doctoral student, shares her epiphany while participating in a "Biggest Loser" contest. Her inspiring story magnifies the importance of trauma-informed services in diverse settings and the tremendous potential for healing.

Our other feature article examines the intersection between HIV and IPV. Marguerite Baty provides an overview of what has been done and what needs to happen in terms of policy and practice to address these intertwining epidemics. The article also demonstrates the potential for trauma-informed services and the importance of knowing the life story of the clients that we serve.

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