Violence against women in their own homes at the hands of their husbands was not treated as a crime in the United States until the early 1990s. At that time laws were passed with the intention of not only protecting women, but also to eliminate domestic violence altogether through prosecution of abusers and mandated counseling for offenders. Therapists were trained to re-educate men who batter women and safe shelters and temporary protection orders were provided to help women leave their abusers.
Despite almost two decades of legal intervention and education, domestic violence continues and services are now directed at ever younger victims, some as early as middle school. It is clear that laws and shelters are not enough. This book, at last, answers the question, "Why does she stay?" The other half of the equation, the underlying reason that keeps women in abusive relationships, is finally addressed and defined.
There is only one reason why they staythe symbolic Saber-Toothed Tiger. This book is a long-needed explanation for the continuing trauma of domestic terrorism and it offers the solution to both victims and the therapists who help them.