A Woman Like You: The Face of Domestic Violence

This book is excellent in portrayal of domestic violence, and through pictures, one realises that domestic violence affects everyone, not simply women. For example, the narrative by the two children in the book can break anyone's heart--particularly for those who have actually experienced the similar traumatic experience like myself. The narratives by the different women are all very touching, and this book can be read and SEEN by everyone, with no selectiveness of the audience. For those working as domestic violence counselors, lawyers, criminologists, law enforcement officials, etc., they should all examine this book to understand the impact of domestic violence within their community. Overall, this book is excellent!

This is a touching, meaningful, and an innovative way to break down the denial concealing domestic violence in this country. In this work, Anderson utilizes interviews and photographs of 30+ women who are survivors of domestic violence. Questions like, "Why would a woman stay in a violent relationship?" and "Couldn't she tell before she married him that he was abusive?" are answered by the women without the question being asked. Second, the book can be used by therapists to help clients look past their own denial regarding their life experiences and find similarities between themselves and the women presented in this book. The last positive attribute to be mentioned here is Anderson's ability to capture the "face" of domestic violence. If one ever thought he or she could determine whether anyone else "looked" like a battered woman, one may have to reconsider his/her position. This book shows that domestic violence can happen to anyone... and it does. Domestic violence happens in all income brackets, racial and/or cultural groups, and in heterosexual and homosexual relationships.

Vera Anderson takes a positive spin on domestic violence. She kills many birds with one stone through her compilation of interviews & photos in this awe-inspiring book: She attacks our perception of the battered women; She shows us that crimes are being committed to women even after they escape their abusive partners at home (by us and legislations); And most of all she shows the threat that women & their children live under even after escape! Can you imagine having to change the name you were born with, because you would get killed if you didn't? But wait, what inspires me most is Vera's proactive attitute to give back to women who were less fortunate then herself. She too could have been killed and I admire her for using her resources and God-given talents to inspire the whole nation to change! Kudos to All of the victims for their courage!

I have sent this book to two friends in abusive relationships. The photographs are worth more than a thousand words. This has all the makings for a great documentary film. Where's the sequel?

From The CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 2/15/98 (Michele Weldon) "A remarkable collection of photographs and short essays, this book presents a chorus of voices, disparate in the specifics and yet similar in their stories of triumph over physical abuse. the power of this book lies in its ability to deliver an honest and immediate portrayal of domestic violence through personal accounts that cross all boundaries."