Violent Partners: A Breakthrough Plan for Ending the Cycle of Abuse (Hardcover)

~ (Author)
Key Phrases: healing circles, peacemaking circles, family wellness, African American, United States, Violence Anonymous (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

Lawrence W. Sherman, Wolfson Professor of Criminology, Cambridge University
"Linda Mills is the indispensable guide to solving the problems of domestic violence. No one can enter the policy debate on these issues in an informed way without reading her eye-opening and rigorous analyses."

"
Ms. Magazine"
"A heartfelt view of how forgiveness can be a tool of empowerment and healing."

"Midwest Book Review"
"Any general-interest or health library needs this."

"New York Law Journal"
"An excellent read featuring numerous case studies, research and analysis, and stories that lead the reader on a journey from ignoring DV issues to where we are today--to an alternative way of attempting to end the cycle of abuse." --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

Lawrence W. Sherman, Wolfson Professor of Criminology, Cambridge University
“Linda Mills is the indispensable guide to solving the problems of domestic violence. No one can enter the policy debate on these issues in an informed way without reading her eye-opening and rigorous analyses.”

Ms. Magazine
“A heartfelt view of how forgiveness can be a tool of empowerment and healing.”
 

Midwest Book Review
“Any general-interest or health library needs this.”
 

New York Law Journal
“An excellent read featuring numerous case studies, research and analysis, and stories that lead the reader on a journey from ignoring DV issues to where we are today—to an alternative way of attempting to end the cycle of abuse.”

Metapsychology online
“Violent Partners has lessons for each of us in rethinking violence contexts and admitting our individual contributions to the aggressions that befall us in our daily lives. An excellent read for any audience!”

Psychiatric Services
“Even if one does not agree with Mills’ theoretical focus, one can still find some intriguing clinical possibilities in her systemic approach to healing violent relationships.”

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: Basic Books; 1 edition (June 2, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0465045774
• ISBN-13: 978-0465045778
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.1 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #453,623 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A huge step forward for violent relationships, July 8, 2008

By	Samuel A. Weiss "help society" - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have been working in the field of domestic abuse for over 15 years.
I am impassioned by the work that I do.
I agree with Dr. Mills that violence is transmitted through generations. I have always been frustrated by the fact that as soon as my colleagues , therapists that I respect, hear that there is violence in a family, they immediately resort to
a . Not wanting to work with the couple together and
b. Encouraging the couple to get divorced, when in fact most couples do not want to separate and
c. The therapist will allign with the female (victim?)before even investigating the dynamics of what is really going on with this family.

Linda Mills' book Violent Partners brings all of the issues that I have been struggling with to the forefront. I, also, thoroughly appreciated the fact that we heard Dr. Mills' voice in retelling her own personal story. My hope is that through Violent Partners we learn to give every member of a family involved in violence a voice to be heard.

I salute Linda for the courage to come forward to say the things that most of us in the field know to be the truth but are afraid to verbalize.
I believe this book gives hope to families that are in violent relationships, and lets them know they are not alone. We understand why they might stay and we can work with them to bring their relationship to a safe place where they can stay together.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Violent Partners, July 13, 2008

By	Aranah - See all my reviews

An excellent book that describes a great need for victims of domestic violence and their offenders. Restorative justice in any form should be considered in the criminal justice system, there is simply too much retribution and not enough compassion.

I have worked with domestic violence victims and offenders for over seven years and it is true that some do not want to separate yet they need a way to create a safe environment so a reconciliation is possible.

Ms. Mills suggestions should be considered by anyone working with domestic violence clients.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Any general-interest or health library needs this, August 17, 2008

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

VIOLENT PARTNERS: A BREAKTHROUGH PLAN FOR ENDING THE CYCLE OF ABUSE is a different kind of survey of abuse: it shows how both partners often participate in the dynamics of abuse, and provides an 'out' for those who want to preserve relationships without that violence. Also included are tips for the men assaulted by women each year, and an overall response that addresses patterns of violent dynamics. Any general-interest or health library needs this.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch