When Violence Begins at Home: A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding and Ending Domestic Abuse

Since its initial publication, this far-reaching reference has provided professionals and victims of abuse with guidance on everything from indicators of an abusive relationship to domestic violence legislation, from antiburnout tips for helpers to advice on leaving an abusive partner.

This updated edition addresses new research and programs, adding information on date rape drugs, stalking, cyber-stalking, pregnancy and domestic violence, and the effectiveness of batterer intervention programs. Current controversial social and legal issues such as mutual battering, child welfare and "failure to protect" policies, child custody and visitation rights for batterers, mandatory arrests, and welfare reform are also covered.

Two new chapters devote attention to domestic violence in the military and to the challenging and rewarding role of those who work with battered women and their children.

New resources have been included to reflect the ever-evolving wealth of books, web sites, and agencies available to both helpers and those in need.

K. J. Wilson, Ed.D., is both an advocate for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault and a social change activist. She has over sixteen years experience in the field of violence against women. Co-founder, and past co-chair, of the Austin (Texas) Metropolitan Ministries Task Force on Family Violence, Dr. Wilson also served for 5 years on the Texas Council on Family Violence Conference Committee which organizes and implements a yearly statewide conference on family violence.

Currently serving as an adjunct professor with the University of Maryland (University College), Dr. Wilson is also a consultant and trainer for various universities, grassroots and non-profit programs throughout the U.S. Dr. Wilson provides presentations and workshops on a variety of topics including violence against women, self-care, advocacy, and empowerment, and a is a contributing author in Family Violence: Current Controversies (Greenhaven, 2001.)

A devoted advocate for survivors of violence, Dr. Wilson is herself a survivor of domestic violence and sexual assault. Her presentations, workshops, and writing reflect almost two decades of work and research, as well as her own intimate understanding. She lives in Texas.