Part One consists of three chapters.

Chapter One begins with the questions many of us may have asked such as what is violence, what causes it and how do we prevent it? Other questions include how serious is non-physical violence as opposed to the more visible physical kind.

The author defines violence and distinguishes clearly between the two types showing the difficulties inherent in trying to deal with non-physical violence. He lays out the purpose of the book, its scope and basis for the research.

Chapter Two, Case Stories, carries seven of the case stories gathered during the research, including two men who had themselves experienced non-physical violence in their relationships.

Chapter Three, Findings, is an analysis of the interviews with both victims and perpetrators of violence, the causes and prevention of violence, the non-violent option, a refuge experience, a special section on the African family and state violence and finally, the five stages of the Healing Process.

Part Two consists of three chapters.

In Chapter Four the author presents his methods of collection and analysis of the data which, incidentally, show examples of non-physical violence he himself experienced during the research. This chapter is divided into two sections: the Field research, interviews with volunteers and professionals and the Desk research, reviews of previous research data including audio visual material and an overview of current research.

Chapter Five, Literature Review, is an in depth review of all available literature on the subject of non-physical violence.

Chapter Six is the authors conclusion and recommendations for further action by all interested parties.

Part Three includes six appendices of documents gathered or created during the research, including the original questionnaire and a comprehensive bibliography.

Violation is one of the only books in circulation which look at non-physical violence and the violation of rights. Others concentrate on 'domestic violence' and sexual abuse perpetrated almost exclusively by men against women and children.

Spartacus hopes that this text "offers some liberating answers for both men and women". But whenever people's emotions are scarred by the intensity of a relationship there are always more questions than answers. He states: "The underlying cause of violence is a perceived lack of power", and defines violence as "any act, whether covert or overt, which is intended to, designed to or calculated to cause pain, injury, discomfort, disadvantage to or otherwise harm or destroy, transgress or infringe on a person or persons."

There are several case histories ranging from 'mild' verbal abuse to the sickening tying up of a pregnant partner allowing a wide-ranging analysis.

The research in this book reveals a core of belief that non-physical violence is more difficult to deal with because of its intangibility and the fact that it is so commonplace in many of our relationships.

The section on The African Family and State Violence offers political and social analysis on the issue of societal violence and puts Black-on-Black violence in context.

Also of great interest is the Methodology section which reveals some interesting and obstructive responses from the "battered wives industry" who don't want Afrikan men contributing to the debate on relationship violence in a constructive and coherent manner. This is similar to the way that the Home Office tries to dictate to the Afrikan community which activists are allowed to enter this country and speak to us on their struggles and experiences [Reference to the banning of Koro Sala, Kwame Ture, Louis Farrakhan and others].

Although a wide range of literature is available on physical violence in relationships much of it is from the man (eternal aggressor) and woman (eternal victim). That's what makes this book so different and so interesting.

Karl D.

The Alarm Magazine, Issue #11, March 1995

• "This is a very important book that's long overdue. Every man and woman who has ever experienced violence should read it."
• " I don't know what other women will think of this book but it has certainly changed my life - forever."
• "It's so simple. It's hard to believe that nobody has written that before. So simple."
• "Violation offers us a penetrating analysis of the social psychology of gender power relations."

Not only will you benefit from reading 'Violation' but your family, your friends, your lover(s) and/or colleagues could benefit from reading it also. You can help them, help yourself and save money at the same time. We offer you a massive 50% discount on any orders of 5 (five) or more copies of this book. This offer is only available while current stocks lasts.

Technical Details:

ISBN: 1 870819 02 0

Full Four-colour Cover (click here to view)

Price: £7.99 plus Postage, Package and handling costs