Domestic Violence: Fiction and Nonfiction

"Are we missing the point in the treatment people who abuse others? According to Dutton (psychology, U. of British Columbia) abusers are not just acting out of emotions that lead to assuming inappropriate control. He has found in his research and practice that many have borderline personality characteristics and trauma symptoms requiring different approaches than many therapists currently follow.

"In this new edition, updated to reflect the latest theory and findings, Dutton takes into account earlier approaches to the treatment of abusers and the reasons why such approaches may or may not have been effective. He goes deeply into the data, describing what it says about rage, attachment, the cycle of violence. Longitudinal development and borderline disorders, and also examines female abusive personalities. He concludes by describing practical, cognitive-behavioral approaches in the treatment of those who assault.'

Weiss’s book is a comprehensive look at violent relationships and explores how friends and family can help their loved ones who are involved in one:

1. Getting involved -- 2. Understanding domestic abuse -- 3. Understanding psychological abuse -- 4. Understanding abusers -- 5. Talking and listening -- 6. Taking action -- 7. Special circumstances : pregnancy, disability, teen dating -- 8. Remaining involved --  Checklist 1. Warning signs of domestic abuse -- Checklist 2. Abusers use a wide range of tactics to achieve control -- Checklist 3. What would it take for an abuser to change? -- Checklist 4. How dangerous is this abuser? -- Checklist 5. Planning for safety if she stays with her abuser -- Checklist 6. Planning for safety if he is removed from the home or she has left -- Checklist 7. Planning for safety during a violent incident -- Checklist 8. Health and unhealthy relationships -- Checklist 9. How teens can help their peers -- Checklist 10. An abuser uses a variety of tactics to regain control if his victim leaves.

Robert and Lynn Ferguson seem to have a perfect life. But behind the perfect appearance, things are very different. Not even their friends know the truth, although when they see Lynn’s bruises, they begin to suspect. Can Lynn find the courage to admit the truth?

The author of The Commitments and Paddy Clarke Ha-Ha-Ha, winner of the 1993 Booker Prize, tells the story of Paula Spencer, a woman approaching forty and struggling with alcoholism and a violent marriage. Paula Spencer is the sequel.

Anthropologist Cassie Barrett is swept off her feet by actor Alex Rivers when she serves as an advisor on his latest film. However, the picture-perfect Hollywood marriage is not as perfect as it seems. Alex has had a troubled life, and Cassie becomes the victim of his abuse.

Maddy Hunter seems to have it all. She’s a popular TV news anchor and married to the wealthy, handsome owner of the station, Jack Hunter, who saved her from an abusive first husband. What people don’t see is that Jack is a controlling man who constantly belittles and insults Maddy.