Domestic Violence Awareness Through Media

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Educating ourselves about domestic violence is crucial for recognizing the signs and providing support for victims/survivors. We put together a list of books, movies, and TV shows that portray domestic violence in realistic and educational ways because understanding domestic violence is not just about learning the statistics or definitions; it’s about recognizing the real, human impact it has on individuals and communities.

Fiction Books

  • The Color Purple by Alice Walker – The story of Celie, a Black woman in the early 20th-century South, who overcomes oppression and abuse and finds her sense of self-worth. See also: The Color Purple movie
  • Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty – Explores the impact of domestic violence in a seemingly perfect community. See also: Big Little Lies TV show
  • Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks – The story of a young woman who escapes an abusive relationship and finds love and safety again in a new community.
  • It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover – Although polarizing in literary spaces, this novel explores the complexities of love, domestic abuse, and the difficult choices one must make to leave and break the cycle.
  • Picture Perfect by Jodi Picoult – The story of an anthropologist and the history of the abuse she receives from her celebrity husband.

Nonfiction Books

  • No Visible Bruises: What We Don’t Know About Domestic Violence Can Kill Us by Rachel Louise Snyder – Explores the realities of domestic violence and the systematic failures that allow it to continue.
  • The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel Van der Kolk – Explores how trauma affects the body and mind, offering insights into the long-term effects of domestic violence.
  • Surviving: Why We Stay and How We Leave Abusive Relationships by Beverly Gooden – Offers personal and research-based insights into why survivors stay in abusive relationships and how they eventually leave.
  • The Black Woman’s Guide To Overcoming Domestic Violence by Shavonne J. Moore-Lobban – Explores the unique challenges faced by Black women in abusive relationships.

Memoirs

  • Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother’s Will to Survive by Stephanie Land – The story of the author’s escape from an emotionally abusive relationship and her struggles to make ends meet. See also: Maid TV Show
  • In the Dreamhouse by Carmen Maria Machado – Explores the complexities of an abusive same-sex relationship based on the author’s personal experiences.
  • Escape Points: A Memoir by Michele Weldon – The story of the author’s journey of escaping an abusive marriage while raising three sons.
  • Goodbye, Sweet Girl by Kelly Sundberg – The story of the author’s experience with domestic violence and her healing journey.

YA Books

  • What Kind of Girl by Alyssa B. Sheinmel – A novel that examines the impact of dating violence on young women.
  • Dreamland by Sarah Dessen – The story of a young girl in an abusive relationship.
  • Bitter End by Jennifer Brown – The story of a young girl’s realization that she is in an abusive relationship and how she escapes it.

Kid’s Books

  • A Terrible Thing Happened by Margaret M. Holmes – Helps children process and cope with traumatic events, such as domestic violence.
  • The Big Bad Wolf in My House by Valérie Fontaine – Helps children understand domestic violence and its effects.
  • Some Days He Growled by Nicole Kimball Ostrowski – Explores the emotions children might feel when witnessing domestic violence.
  • Anger is Okay, Violence is Not by Julie Federico – Teaches children about the difference between healthy anger and harmful violence.

Movies

  • The Color Purple by Alice Walker – The story of Celie, a Black woman in the early 20th-century South, who overcomes oppression and abuse and finds her sense of self-worth. See also: The Color Purple by Alice Walker
  • Waitress (2007) – The story of a woman in an abusive marriage who finds solace in hobbies and friendship. (Also a musical written by Sara Bareilles)
  • Women Talking (2022) – The story of women in a religious community dealing with systemic abuse.
  • I, Tonya (2018) – The true story of figure skater Tonya Harding, which includes depictions of domestic violence.

TV Shows

  • Maid – Based on the memoir by Stephanie Land, the story of a woman’s escape from an emotionally abusive relationship and her struggles to make ends meet. See also: Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother’s Will to Survive by Stephanie Land
  • Big Little Lies – Explores the impact of domestic violence in a seemingly perfect community. See also: Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
  • ‘Til Death Do Us Part – True-crime series that tells the stories of marriages that ended in violent outcomes.

Education is one of the most powerful tools in advocating for victims and/or breaking the cycle. If you have questions or need help, call our 24/7/365 hotline at 1-800-373-1043.