Customer Reviews

Saving Bernice: Battered Women, Welfare, and Poverty

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Having counselled many women through the trauma of domestic violence, the story of Bernice is one that I have heard in reality many times over. Domestic violence is about the abuser's need for power and control. Until that control is taken away, the abuser will continue to abuse regardless of how many loving promises are made. With all the support programs in place in today, there is still a stigma attached to women and their children receiving social assistance. Finding a place to rent, finding employment, transpsortation, adequate daycare, and living in constant fear of the abuser are major challenges.

"Saving Bernice" is an inside look at the terror, hopelessness, emotional and physical pain encountered by an abused woman - and the will to survive. It is an indication that even with the social programs and justice system we have in place - there needs to be change. Women are still being abused, children are still being raised in poverty, and society has not adequately addressed the needs of these individuals. The book is informative, controversial and well worth reading.

As a criminology and criminal justice major, I purchased this book in order to write a book review for my Violence in America course. "Saving Bernice" is very well-written, and provides a compelling account of one woman's experiences as a victim of domestic violence. The author also suggests that domestic violence is a major contributing factor to exacerbating poverty and dependence on public welfare. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in criminology or social services!

It is a great written case study, plus background and analysis of the social problem. It is an easy read on a really hard topic. Contains some horrific accounts. Worth reading to understand certain dynamics, and open up eyes to the world around us.