Saving Bernice: Battered Women, Welfare, and Poverty

By Jody Raphael

Book Overview

Skillfully interweaving Bernice's own eloquent words about her harrowing abuse with descriptions of other women's similar experiences and a rich synthesis of statistical findings, Jody Raphael demonstrates convincingly that domestic violence and dependence on public assistance are intricately linked. In a work that is sure to stir controversy, she challenges traditional views and stereotypes (conservative and liberal) about welfare recipients, arguing that many poor women are neither lazy nor paralyzed by a "culture of poverty," but instead are trapped by their batterers.

Bernice's ordeals at the hands of her abusive partner -- brutal beatings, violent rapes, threats on her life, stalking, blocked access to birth control, and sabotage of efforts to find a job -- resonate throughout the work. The experiences she relates provide crucial insights into the welfare system and illuminate its failures, successes, and potential in helping women like her.

This disquieting yet inspiring book puts a human face on the heated public policy debate over welfare reform. Above all, it is Bernice's life story and, through her voice, the story of countless other battered women who are isolated in poverty and welfare by the power and control of their abusers.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1555534384
• ISBN13: 9781555534387
• Release Date: May 2000
• Publisher: Northeastern University Press
• Length: 184 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.9" x 9.0"
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

worth reading

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.

CAUGHT BETWEEN A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE

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.