Product Description

One in four women will experience domestic violence; the incidence of violence on dates (not including rape) is increasing. Sandra Horley draws on over 20 years supporting abused women to provide an insight into the reality behind the mask of the charming man. The book's aim is to show women they are not alone and to help them walk away from the confusing, dangerous situation they find themselves in. 'I have no doubt that Power and Control will show thousands of women that they are not alone and encourage them to take the first step' - Cherie Booth QC.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #39265 in Books
• Published on: 2002-02-21
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 224 pages

Review
'This book was a true revelation. Not only did I realise I was not alone but it helped make sense of what I had been experiencing and why. There is no other way to describe this book other than it made me strong enough to change my life' Sheryl Gascoigne 'I have no doubt that Power and Control will show thousands of women that they are not alone and encourage them to take the first step' Cherie Booth, QC

From the Publisher
The definitive book on domestic violence that aims to help women walk away from danger

About the Author
Sandra Horley has been Chief Executive of Refuge for 17 years, and was awarded the OBE for 'services to the protection of women and children'. Born in Ontario, Canada, she started working with abused and homeless women in Wolverhampton. She is involved in the training of police, health, housing and social workers and has advised high-profile 'soaps' on their storylines.

Customer Reviews

helpful and informative on an often misunderstood subject
The beauty of this book is it dispels several myths. Domestic violence/domestic abuse is about much more than battering. People who haven't been through it often fail to understand why women stay, or what they are complaining about if they are not being hit.

Power and Control gives detailed analysis of the dynamics of woman abuse, the ways in which a women's confidence and independence are whittled away by men who alternate rage and affection. These same men are entirely credible to the wider world and no-one would suspect what goes on behind closed doors. These are also the charming men the woman fell in love with and find it difficult to leave. It is written with numerous anecdotal examples of what women have experienced, and clearly describes the effects the abuser's behaviour had on the woman and children. It also has a detailed discussion about how society creates a setting in which woman abuse can flourish, and ideas about how society and individual men can begin to change this.

As a self-help book this could help women, especially those who do not experience battering, to identify the problem more clearly and spur them into taking action. It also signposts to support services and acknowledges the difficulties in leaving the situation.

I think this book will also be helpful to anyone wanting to learn more about domestic violence, whether professionally or personally. A good one to recommend to friends or family who want to support someone who has lived with woman abuse.

Overall I found it helpful, though not all chapters felt relevant to me. Some of the material can be disturbing to read.

A worthwhile read -

Power and Control: Why Charming Men Can Make Dangerous Lovers
This book is your bible if you are a victim of domestic violence. The author Sandra Horley explains why us, the victims, stay or return to our abusive partners. Sandra makes you realise that you are not alone, and , if you have left your partner, this book gives you the strength to keep away. I have read a few books by different authors but this book is a must.

A great overview and a wake up call to all women and professionals
Sandra Horley has been working with abused women for many years and has written an excellent and uncompromising book about the abuse women suffer at the hands of manipulative and outwardly charming men.

The book takes you through the patterns of control; the mindset of the abused woman; people's denial of the situation and myths surrounding abuse; why men abuse women and what we can do to prevent this happening in the future. Throughout there are accounts from women who have been abused and are able to explain things first hand.

This is a really important book, especially as many of the women suffering verbal or physical abuse might not realise that their partners behaviour is abusive. I did feel that she underplayed the abuse that can take place by women against men and there was no mention of pysical/verbal abuse in homosexual relationships.

Nevertheless, this was a really informative book and well worth a read. If you have read this book for information, you may also be interested in 'The Other Mrs Jordan: A Story of Bigamy and Betrayl' by Mary Turner Thompson.