Domestic Violence Tragedy and Hope

WALK A MILE IN HER SHOES: Beginning with a discussion of the magnitude of the problem of domestic violence, the authors present a fictional narrative of "Suzanne," whose relationship with her intimate partner dissolves into abuse and violence, both physical and emotional. What follows is expert commentary on her story by law enforcement, a judge and former district attorney, victim advocate, therapist, and survivor, which provide a unique exploration of the tragedy of abuse and potential means by which it can be addressed. The main theme of the book is the tendency to "blame the victim" for staying in an abusive relationship and the need to understand why leaving can be so difficult and dangerous.

Janet L. Kerr, MA, LPC, has worked for the prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence since 1986. Ms. Kerr is a psychotherapist and consultant providing training and technical assistance to professionals nationally and internationally about issues related to Domestic and Sexual Violence. Patricia L. Lostroh has been the Executive Director of Genesis House since 2000. Previously she served as a Victim Assistance Director with law enforcement (1994–2013). Frances T. Pilch is Professor Emeritus in Political Science at the United States Air Force Academy. Her most recent book was Invisible: Surviving the Cambodian Genocide: The Memoirs of Mac and Simone Leng, also published by Robert D. Reed Publishers. Dave McCone is a Professor of Psychology at the US Air Force Academy where he studies sexual assault prevention. He gained perspective on domestic violence issues while serving on the Board of Directors for TESSA. Howard Black is currently the Director of Communications and Public Information Officer in the Office of the District Attorney, 4th Judicial District, Colorado. His law enforcement career began in 1978 and includes over 40 years of experience with the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) and the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPSO). During that time he managed the Special Victims Section of the Investigations Division. Douglas J Miles is a County Court Judge in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Judge Miles has over thirty years’ experience in the domestic violence field as a prosecutor, consultant, trainer, and judicial officer. He is currently the presiding judge of the Domestic Violence Court, a problem-solving court for repeat misdemeanor and felony DV offenders. Erika Vida started as a first responder volunteer with Colorado Springs PD and found her passion for working with survivors of Violent Crime in 2012. Erika is currently the Program Coordinator for the Teller County Victim Assistant Program, and she is committed to providing trauma-informed resources and supportive services to the community.