When Battered Women Kill

by Angela Browne

Shares the experiences of battered wives, discusses the psychological impact on victims and their children, and explains why some women are driven to murder

Genres: Feminism, Psychology, Nonfiction, Crime

228 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1987

Reviews

[Shi Fox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this book in my Criminology class. My teacher wanted us to be aware of the signs of abusive men and abusive relationships. Domestic violence is common it is not just physical abuse but it includes neglect and verbal abuse. These women's stories are sobering and terrifying. The research that was performed tells us the relationship a reason a woman would kill her abuser. The patriarchal society we still live in still thinks the man has a right to abuse women. The court systems are still condoning abuse of women. a woman kills in defense we still receive harsher punishment than the man that would have killed her.

[Yolanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book as part of an assignment in my qualitative research methods course. Angela has some incredible insights in this book. I love how indepth her conversations are with the women. This isn't just some woman trying to make battered women good. This is a researcher who takes the time to talk to the women and those around them to find out what really happened and why. She also uses collateral sources to back up the women's claims and most of the findings are supported by established theories. This is definitely a book worth reading.

[S.M.]

A lot of the science is either outdated or bordering on it, but the stories of the women that Browne interviewed are still just as relevant today. If you read this and are looking for more, I'd suggest "Why Does He Do That? Inside the Minds of Angry and Controlling Men by Lundy Bancroft; it covers a lot of the same ground, but is focused on what's wrong with the men who are abusers rather than the women who are abused.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a powerful and intense read about the experiences of women who are abused and then kill their abusers. Though it was written in 1987 and dated at the time of my reading (2022) the information was still relevant and insightful. In addition to informing the reader of the dynamics of intimate partner violence, it was also an amazing qualitative study. For qualitative students/researchers, it provides a great example of how the study can be written to read as a non-fiction work of art instead of a scholarly, disconnected article. It was a heavy and heart-breaking read. At the same time, fascinating and completely engaging. I was able to read through it quickly and was eager to know what happened to the women who participated. Browne portrayed their stories with compassion and insight. We've come a long way since the 80s, but sadly still have a long way to go on this issue. This book is well worth the time for any qualitative researcher and those who seek to prevent or address intimate partner violence.

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A painful yet vital piece of my collection. A must read.