Campus News

Book describes domestic violence problem

Death by Domestic Violence: Preventing the Murders and Murder-Suicides
Katherine van Wormer and A.R. Roberts
Praeger Publishers
$31.95

Death by Domestic Violence, is a new book co-written by UGA alumna Katherine van Wormer, who earned a doctoral degree in 1976, and A.R. Roberts.

It separates domestic violence myths and facts, explains the traumatic bonding that occurs between batterer and victim, and details how one facet of the solution could be school-based interventions and education.

Death by Domestic Violence culminates with recommendations for further reduction of harm and a safety plan for those at risk.

The authors describe the problem and what they have seen and heard on the front lines with both women and men who have escaped domestic violence that was escalating toward deadly levels.

The text examines not only the psychology of the batterer but of domestic murder and domestic murder-suicide.

Drawn from the experience and insights of these two social workers, the text includes a safety plan for those at risk and a chapter with narratives of women in prison for killing their abusive husbands or partners.

The book also discusses risk factors and the role alcohol and drugs play in domestic homicides.