This book examines the most violent form of abuse in an intimate relationship, and steps that should be taken to stop the killing.Each year, about 33 percent of all women and 3 percent of all men murdered in the United States, are killed by a so-called "intimate," a spouse, partner, or lover. Murder by an intimate is not just an American problem. A European task force recently found domestic violence accounts for 25 percent of all homicides in London, and 35 percent across England and Wales. In this timely book, the authors describe the problem, and what they have seen and heard on the front lines with both women and men who have escaped domestic violence that was escalating toward deadly levels. The text examines not only the psychology of the batterer but of domestic murder, and domestic murder-suicide. Drawn from the experience and insights of these two social workers, the book includes a safety plan for those at risk, and a chapter providing the narratives of women in prison for killing their abusive husband or partner.Culminating with recommendations for further reduction of harm, this book also separates domestic violence myths and facts, explains the traumatic bonding that occurs between batterer and victim, and details how one facet of the solution could be school-based interventions and education.