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Home Grown

How Domestic Violence Turns Men Into Terrorists

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Home Grown

By: Joan Smith
Narrated by: Lucy Paterson
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Summary

 What do the attacks in London Bridge, Manchester and Westminster have in common with those at the Charlie Hebdo offices, the Finsbury Park Mosque attack and multiple US shootings?

They were all carried out by men with histories of domestic violence.

TERRORISM BEGINS AT HOME.

Terrorism is seen as a special category of crime that has blinded us to the obvious - that it is, almost always, male violence. The extraordinary link between so many tragic recent attacks is that the perpetrators have practised in private before their public outbursts.

In these searing case studies, Joan Smith, feminist and human rights campaigner, makes a compelling and persuasive argument for a radical shift in perspective. Incomprehensible ideology is transformed through her clear-eyed research into a disturbing but familiar pattern.

From the Manchester bomber to the Charlie Hebdo attackers, from angry white men to the Bethnal Green girls, from US school shootings to the London gang members who joined ISIS, Joan Smith shows that, time and time again, misogyny, trauma and abuse lurk beneath the rationalizations of religion or politics.

Until Smith pointed it out in 2017, criminal authorities missed this connection because violence against women is dangerously normalised. Yet, since domestic abuse often comes before a public attack, it's here a solution to the scourge of our age might be found. Thought-provoking and essential, Home-Grown will lift the veil on a revelatory truth.

(P)2019 Quercus Editions Limited©2019 Joan Smith Abuse Domestic Partner Abuse Dysfunctional Families Dysfunctional Relationships Freedom & Security Parenting & Families Politics & Government Relationships War & Crisis Crime Middle East War
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Critic reviews

A chilling indictment and an urgent call to action. Joan Smith's meticulous, shocking book offers irrefutable evidence that many men who commit public atrocities have already practised their terrorism at home. Powerful . . . Smith proves again and again that this refusal to accept the evidence and recognise what domestic violence actually means as a force within society, also means that we are vulnerable to other types of male violence, including suicide bombings, terrorist attacks and mass shootings (Susan McKay)
The revelation of Joan Smith's book is the danger it poses. If we are scared of terrorism, she argues, the smart way to keep safe would be to pay much more attention to domestic violence . . . The similarities are so relentlessly consistent, the only puzzle is why it has taken this long for anyone to notice (Decca Aitkenhead)
'Scaldingly describes the failures of police, counterterrorism agencies, social services and others. It also challenges our tendency to tidy our memories . . . Readers will enjoy Smith's feminist, polemical style . . . Powerfully written (Edward Lucas)
Smith, a feminist and human rights campaigner, contends that if victims were believed, domestic abuse were better recognised ... then numerous acts of terrorism ... could and can be avoided (Yvonne Roberts)
The reasons why people radicalise and turn to terrorism is one of the most heavily studied subjects in the world but much academic work generates more heat than light. Joan Smith has achieved the rare feat of saying something new about this subject, by uncovering an unsettling connection to domestic violence and misogyny. Her book contains important implications for policy-makers tackling one of the defining issues of our age.
A timely book that offers a radical yet clear-eyed view at how misogyny and toxic masculinity intersect with acts of extremism. I found it both illuminating and chilling - it has completely changed the way I view terrorism.
A hitherto missing link vital for anti-terrorist chiefs, police and policy makers to digest and act upon
Joan Smith has once again got to the heart of an issue that impacts on us all. The facts are clear, women are the first victims of extremists, but it's rarely set out so coherently and with such devastating impact
A compelling argument that gives me anger and hope. Anger that domestic and sexual violence are not widely recognised as terrorism, and hope that Smith's call to action will be heard so we can be safer from terrorism in all its forms
This writer has gone where angels fear to tread. Remarkable. Politicians, policy makers, police and security officers, social workers, educators and concerned citizens should read this disturbing and perceptive book. To defeat evil, one must know it first.
Excellent feminist analysis on links between domestic violence and terrorism, plus solutions which the government needs to act on
All stars
Most relevant
This should be required reading for all police, teachers and politicians. I have long thought that any truly devout follower of any of the major religions could not possibly commit or condone acts of terrorism even if the perpetrator alleges a religious motive. But I had not been aware of the links with domestic violence/abuse. Given the current government and media obsession with anti-wokeness, anti-feminism and calling any man who expresses support for liberal values a snowflake I fear this issue will not be taken seriously and therefore no money will be forthcoming for support and training. So whilst it was very interesting this book has left me feeling a bit depressed.

Fascinating but frightening

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Joan Smith has long been a powerhouse and inspiration for women who are survivors and safeguarders. This is an outstanding body of work, researched to a standard many others aren't willing to do, Joan is fierce, unrelenting yet clear about this war on women that never ceases to shock or surprise. I would urge all women's rights activists to read this and further educated yourselves about how we keep ourselves safe and aware of how society is shaped by it's hatred and manipulation of women and girls.

The feminist we all deserve

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Every time I read Smith's work my world view changes. This is a very insightful book that sheds light on why people fall into extremism. It also make a strong case that anti-terrorism efforts need to take a anti-misogynist approach and do more to tackle domestic and sexual violence.

Another great book by Joan Smith

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Emotional, thought provoking, excellent.
a really good evidenced based discussion around missed links between domestic abuse and terrorism

thought provoking

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Loved this book so much I wrote my dissertation on the topic! Brilliant book with such a good insight into the topic!

Brilliant insight

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