Domestic Violence: Voices from Within

The O.J. Simpson trial has refocused attention on the persistent national scandal of domestic abuse. Indeed, this documentary notes that more women are injured each year in family violence than in automobile accidents. This brief video examines the cycle of violence in abusive situations. A repentant batterer explains his actions, noting his upbringing, military background, and a sports driven competitive urge to win at all costs. Two battered women cite their mates' obsessive need for control. The victim becomes trapped in self-blame, and the legal, church, and community support groups fail to aid or comfort abuse victims. Abusers are often expert at maintaining a double image; a genial face for the outside world, and a manipulative, controlling personality for those at home. Terrible as the physical violence can be, victims of abuse agree that scars inflicted by psychological violence can be more long lasting. This is an insightful look at an important problem, but the brief running time coupled with the high price means it's not a first purchase for most libraries; though it would be useful for libraries maintaining large collections on the subject. A companion volume, Domestic Violence: The Right to Be Safe, is also available. Aud: C, P. (S. Rees)