Collection Development "Domestic Violence": Stopping the Violence at Home

Public interest in domestic violence waxes and wanes with the headlines. The case of Hedda Nussbaum, the battered woman who witnessed the killing of her six-year-old adopted daughter, Lisa, by their common abuser in 1987, drew national attention that peaked with the 1994 brutal murder of Nicole Brown Simpson.

The tenth anniversary of Nicole's death and the recent release of Lisa's killer, Joel Steinberg, has brought renewed concern. Yet, coping with the devastating consequences of this major social and public health problem will be left to government social agencies and nonprofit groups with limited resources.

Also called "family violence," the concept of "domestic violence" encompasses various forms of abusive behavior against any member in a domestic relationship. Levels of abuse range from the verbal and psychological to extreme physical violence, including murder. Owing to space limitations, this article will concentrate on intimate partner violence (this term applies to gay/lesbian couples as well), although the voluminous literature of child abuse deserves its own review, and elder abuse is emerging as an important area of study.

According to the National Council on Child Abuse and Family Violence, women are five times more likely than men to be victims; indeed, domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women aged 15–44 in the United States. In the past, society's traditional response was to treat the behavior as a private family matter. But in the 1970s the women's movement and the groundbreaking work of researcher/author Leonore Walker, who pioneered the concept of the "battered woman syndrome," began to change societal attitudes.

In addition, new research that conceptualized domestic violence as an issue of power and control rooted in the abuser himself forced the justice system to respond to the problem as a criminal issue. The 1994 passage of the Federal Violence Against Women Act paved the way for changes in laws, provisions for victim restitution, grant money for special programs, and other forms of assistance to local organizations combating violence against women.

By developing a collection on this issue, libraries can play an important—and even lifesaving—role in empowering abused women, providing useful resources for shelters and other agencies, and enlightening students and the general public about domestic violence.

Although no one publisher dominates this field, several smaller presses—Hunter House, Seal Press, and Volcano—have issued notable contributions by such major authors in the field as Michael Paymar, Ginny NiCarthy, and Elaine Weiss. The more academic Sage publishes the 19-volume "Sage Series of Violence Against Women" as well as periodicals on this topic. For university and larger public library collections, there is also the scholarly (and expensive) Journal of Family Violence (www.kluweronline.com).

Government and nonprofit web sites are particularly useful for statistics, educational materials, and helpline information. In the area of community intervention and remediation, the acknowledged leader is the Duluth Domestic Abuse Intervention Project, or DAIP (www.duluth-model.org) which provides educational materials and training resources in multiple formats.

Because this is still a relatively young topic of social concern, many of the earliest works (published in the late 1970s and early 1980s) are still in print or have been updated. For a good overview of older titles, see Pamela A. Kress's "Living with the Enemy," LJ 8/94, p. 106–107.

Starred [*] items below belong in a core collection in most public libraries.

*BERRY, DAWN BRADLEY. The Domestic Violence Sourcebook. 3d ed. Lowell House, dist. by Contemporary. 2000. 332p. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-7373-0419-7. pap. $17.95.

Combining current research findings on the legal, social, historical, and psychological aspects of domestic violence, this comprehensive handbook also includes strategic advice (i.e., tips for escaping a violent situation, getting a restraining order). Useful for both victims and professionals.

SCHNEIDER, ELIZABETH M. Battered Women and Feminist Lawmaking. Yale Univ. 2000. 317p. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-300-08343-2. $42.50; pap. 2002. ISBN 0-300-09411-6. $19.

Tracing domestic violence's legislative history since the 1960s, law professor Schneider astutely examines the shortcomings of that process; these include an acceptance of the view of "battered women" as mentally ill and society's failure to link domestic violence to related issues like unemployment and homelessness. Valuable for students and policymakers. (LJ11/1/00)

*BANCROFT, LUNDY. Why Does He Do That?: Inside the Minds of Angry & Controlling Men. Putnam. 2002. 408p. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-399-14844-2. $26.95; pap. Berkley. 2003. ISBN 0-425-19165-6. $14.

Having worked with abusive men for 15 years, Bancroft explains clearly what causes such behavior, describes the nine abusive personality types (from verbal abuser to batterer), and outlines the "warning signs." (LJ8/02)

*DUGAN, MEG KENNEDY & ROGER HOCK. It's My Life Now: Starting Over After an Abusive Relationship or Domestic Violence. Routledge. 2000. 255p. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-415-92358-1. pap. $15.95.

For women who have left abusive relationships, this authoritative yet reassuring self-help guide explains postbreakup psychology, including stages of grief and effects on children, and offers advice on forging ahead.

JACOBSON, NEIL S. & JOHN M. GOTTMAN. When Men Batter Women: New Insights into Ending Abusive Relationships. S. & S. 1998. 304p. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-684-81447-1. $25.

Spanning several years and involving 200 couples, this classic study offers valuable insights into abuser psychology. Most batterers, it found, fall into two categories: pit bulls and cobras.

*JAYNE, PAMELA. Ditch That Jerk: Dealing with Men Who Control and Hurt Women. Hunter House. 2000. 226p. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-89793-283-8. pap. $14.95.

Authored by an experienced counselor, this wise, compassionate guide focuses on two key issues: how to tell if someone is a potential abuser and whether that person is likely to change. Case studies, "warning signs," and chapter summaries framed as "jerk tests" add to the volume's usefulness.

*NELSON, NOELLE. Dangerous Relationships: How To Identify and Respond to the Seven Warning Signs of a Troubled Relationship. Perseus. 2001. 312p. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-7382-0465-X. pap. $15.

This keenly insightful book by a clinical psychologist specifies seven "warning signs" that have been shown to predict violent behavior in a spouse/partner. Required reading for anyone who senses that something is awry in a relationship.

*NiCARTHY, GINNY. Getting Free: You Can End Abuse and Take Back Your Life. Seal: Avalon. 1997. 316p. ISBN 1-878067-92-3. pap. $16.95.

First published in 1982, this still indispensable guide clearly outlines topics so readers can easily find advice on specific issues like the pros and cons of moving into a shelter. [In October, Seal will release a new paperback edition: ISBN 1-58005-122-7. $16.95.—Ed.]

*BREWSTER, SUSAN. To Be an Anchor in the Storm: A Guide for Families and Friends of Abused Women. 2d ed. Seal: Avalon. 2000. 245p. ISBN 1-58005-037-9. pap. $12.95.

Brewster, herself a survivor of domestic violence, outlines how any caring person can assist a battered woman. The goal is to form a strong emotional connection that will support the woman in making decisions on her own terms.

*PAYMAR, MICHAEL. Violent No More: Helping Men End Domestic Abuse. 2d rev. ed. Hunter House. 1999. 285p. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-89793-268-4. pap. $17.95.

Although recidivism is high, this important and influential book by a veteran abuse counselor offers hope by suggesting what works best in ending the violent behavior of abusive men. The text includes exercises, a distillation of current research findings, and follow-up interviews with couples who appeared in an earlier DAIP study.

*WEISS, ELAINE. Family and Friends' Guide to Domestic Violence: How To Listen, Talk, and Take Action When Someone You Care About Is Being Abused. Volcano. 2003. 143p. bibliog. ISBN 1-884244-22-X. pap. $17.95.

From the author of Surviving Domestic Violence (see below) comes an authoritative guide for family and friends, with practical tips for communicating with a likely victim of abuse, including how to broach the subject.

Same-Sex Domestic Violence: Strategies for Change. Sage. (Series on Violence Against Women). 1999. 259p. ed. by Beth Leventhal & Sandra E. Lundy. index. ISBN 0-7619-0322-4. $96.95; pap. ISBN 0-7619-0323-2. $43.95.

Activists and professionals who are also abuse survivors address the unique characteristics of same-sex violence and argue for improved assessment and service delivery for gays and lesbians.

*WEITZMAN, SUSAN. "Not to People Like Us": Hidden Abuse in Upscale Marriages. Basic Bks: Perseus. 2001. 287p. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-465-09074-5. pap. $15.

Drawing on her own research with 14 women aged 24–62, psychotherapist Weitzman exposes abuse among the wealthy. She profiles seemingly unlikely abusers and shows how traditional helping institutions often trivialize this problem and fail its often-misunderstood victims.

*WHITE, EVELYN C. Chain, Chain, Change: For Black Women in Abusive Relationships. 2d ed. Seal: Avalon. 1995. 120p. ISBN 1-878067-60-5. pap. $12.95.

Filling a gap in the literature, the editor of The Black Women's Health Bookaddresses the effects of abuse on the African American family and how black women can obtain help. She also discusses the influence of racism and sexism, and a new chapter covers the experience of black lesbians.

*ANDERSON, VERA. A Woman Like You: The Face of Domestic Violence. Seal: Avalon. 1997. 70p. photogs. bibliog. ISBN 1-878067-07-9. pap. $16.

Anderson's striking, black-and-white photo-essays profiling 35 victim/survivors effectively convey her message that domestic violence is an "equal opportunity" crime.

*FOWLER, CONNIE MAY. When Katie Wakes: A Memoir. Ballantine. 2003. 304p. ISBN 0-345-44454-X. pap. $13.95.

This stark and stunning memoir by novelist Fowler (Before Women Had Wings) recounts her horribly abusive and financially draining relationship with an older man. (LJ12/01)

*WEISS, ELAINE. Surviving Domestic Violence: Voice of Women Who Broke Free. rev. ed. Volcano. 2004. 214p. bibliog. ISBN 1-884244-27-0. pap. $17.95.

Weiss eloquently tells the tragic yet inspiring stories of 12 survivors, ranging in age and socioeconomic circumstances. She concludes each case study with a reflective commentary that emphasizes the strength and courage of these women.

*WELDON, MICHELE. I Closed My Eyes: Revelations of a Battered Woman. Hazelden. 1999. 262p. ISBN 1-56838-341-X. pap. $15.

Journalist Weldon's gripping account of her marriage to an abusive Jekyll/Hyde character and the postsplit aftermath in which she struggled to rebuild her life with her three sons helps shatter the myth that partner abuse is limited to lower-class families. She also supplies unusual insight into the complex and sometimes puzzling thought processes of victims. (LJ 9/15/99)

*BANCROFT, LUNDY. When Dad Hurts Mom: Helping Your Children Heal the Wounds of Witnessing Abuse. Putnam. 2004. 384p. index. ISBN 0-399-15110-9. $25.95.

The author of Why Does He Do That? (see above) counsels battered mothers on how to rebuild their lives and heal the damage done to their victimized children. Especially notable are suggestions for repairing the mother/child relationship and valuable and shrewd advice on dealing with abusive fathers and the social institutions that impact their lives. (LJ 4/1/04).

*DALPIAZ, CHRISTINA. Breaking Free, Starting Over: Parenting in the Aftermath of Family Violence. Praeger. 2004. 232p. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-275-98167-3. $39.95.

This no-nonsense, if sometimes dogmatic, guide by a certified Victims' Advocate provides helpful techniques for reparenting children who've been exposed to domestic violence. Lacking a safe haven, many of these children exhibit significant behavior, communication, and self-management problems.

*GADDIS, PATRICIA RIDDLE. Dangerous Dating: Helping Young Women Break Out of Abusive Relationships. Waterbrook: Random. 2000. 138p. bibliog. ISBN 0-87788-713-6. pap. $11.99.

Gaddis, a certified crisis-intervention worker and author of Battered but Not Broken: Help for Abused Wives and Their Church Families, offers straightforward advice on rescuing daughters enmeshed in destructive relationships. An invaluable resource, given the problematic nature of many parent-teen relationships.

Profile of an Assailant. color. 42 min. National Training Project, 202 E. Superior St., Duluth, MN 55802; 218-722-2781; www.duluth-model.org. $125.
Directed at community programs for batterers and survivors, this video presents an interview with a former offender followed by six former victims discussing the characteristics of their abusers.

Small Justice: Little Justice in America's Family Courts. color. 60 min. Intermedia, 1165 Eastlake Ave E., Suite 400, Seattle, WA 98109; 800-553-8336; www.intermedia-inc.com. $189.
This powerful, award-winning documentary shows how family courts often award children to a parent abuser.

Family Violence Prevention Fund
www.endabuse.org.
Dedicated to preventing domestic violence through educational programs, the FVPF tracks the latest news and research in the field; it also includes useful fact sheets, personal stories, and links to related sites.

National Domestic Violence Hotline
www.ndvh.org
Staffed by trained bilingual (Spanish and English) counselors, this national helpline also offers information on shelters, legal assistance, and educational topics.

The Nicole Brown Simpson Charitable Foundation
www.nbcf.org
Invaluable information about domestic violence including early warning signs (in English and Spanish) and useful links to state coalitions and local resources.