Domestic Violence: One Woman’s Nightmare by Susan R. Murphy

Domestic Violence: One Woman's Nightmare by Susan R. Murphy describes, not just the personal experience of spousal abuse and marital breakdown but also, what to do about it. Candidly written, the author reflects upon a traumatic issue in a manner that is self-affirming and positive. In her case, strength came from within but also from the networks and organisations that exist to support sufferers of domestic violence. It gave her the endurance, not just to survive but to rebuild her life.

"Let me start by telling you that, like many women, I never thought it would happen to me but, unlike so many women out there, I decided to do something about it."

Confronted by the reality that she was in an abusive relationship, she describes how came to the decision to leave her family home, with the accompanying heartbreak of having to leave her eldest child behind. Initially, she did not know what help, if any, was available.

She entered a battered women's shelter and commenced a 30-day program that would see her get her life back on track. When she left the shelter, upon completion of the program, it was with a mixture of pride and sadness that she was able to observe:

"Out of all the women in the shelter, myself and one other woman were the only ones who left and started new lives. The rest of the women all went back to their abusive partners."

It is not often that a personal account dealing with these kind of issues manages to strike such a life-affirming tone but Susan achieves this, and quite admirably too because. Central to her story is the assertion that nobody asks for victimhood. Dark events that happen in our lives need not cast a shadow over the rest of our lives.

This book will be of interest to anyone who has experienced domestic violence or knows someone who may be going through the experience. It is on sale now, in print and e-book editions with sample chapters available so that you can browse before you buy.

In Memoriam: Violent Nation with Rik Mayall (1958-2014)

Rik Mayall, whose passing away exactly one year ago today was most untimely and unexpected, stood head and shoulders above most comedians of his era, and not just because of his commanding stage presence. His collaborations with Ade Edmondson in particular, produced exhibitions of hyper-violent, anarchic comedy unrivalled and unsurpassed.

Violent Nation, a three-part Discovery Channel documentary, represents one of his few forays into the more serious side (for him) of broadcasting. It resulted in what could be described as one of his more subdued performances and yet, it still manages to sparkles with his characteristic wit. It is also genuinely educational and informative but don't let that put you off watching!

We can think of no better way to mark the first anniversary of his death than by recommending this for your viewing. Sit back and enjoy.

Happy St. Valentine's Day Massacre

Valentine's Day in 1929 in Chicago for some, was marked not with chocolates, flowers, romantic dinners for two, but with a massacre that was the culmination of a struggle between rival gangs, for control of organised crime in the city. Seven men were gunned down, by men dressed in police uniforms, but believed to be henchmen of Al Capone. Although never linked to the crime, the massacre paved the way for Capone's ascendancy in the world of organised crime, by spreading disarray and chaos within the ranks of his rivals.

If you are celebrating Valentine's Day this year with a spouse, loved one, significant other, try to keep it romantic, peaceful and calm. By all means, spill your heart out and let the blood course through your veins, but not literally.

The Four Stages of Cruelty by William Hogarth (1697–1764)

William Hogarth (1697-1764) was a British painter, engraver, pictorial satirist and editorial cartoonist. The Four Stages of Cruelty charts the progression, from mistreatment of animals, to homicide ultimately leading to justice and retribution.

First stage of cruelty

Second stage of cruelty

Cruelty in perfection

The reward of cruelty

Source: William Hogarth [Public domain], Wikimedia Commons

Violence - the naked truth

Battle of the Nudes is an engraving by Florentine goldsmith and sculptor Antonio del Pollaiuolo, who lived between 1429 (or 1433) and 1498. It is in fact his only surviving engraving but "remains one of the most famous prints of the Renaissance." (source Wikipedia)

Battle of the Nudes depicts two groups of five men, all of whom are described as 'grimacing fiercely' with 'strongly emphasised musculature'; all of which may lead you to ask, is violence really gay?

Antonio del Pollaiolo [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

History of Violence c.1500: Sword Fighting

Sword Fighting Manual c.1500 | Retronaut:

'via Blog this'

Hello World

The Museum of Violence website will be appearing here shortly.

Watch this space (if you dare)!