Film Description

To Have and to Hold was the first documentary to examine the problem of wife abuse through the man's experience of it. Composed primarily of interviews with men who have assaulted their wives and lovers, this classic film explores the personal and societal attitudes which lead men to do violence to those nearest them. It also examines the changes in attitudes that are essential for men to stop their violent behavior.

Why do men beat their wives?
How common is woman abuse?
How do violent men perceive their own violence?
At what point will men who batter seek help?
Is it possible for violent men to change?

To Have and to Hold addresses all these questions and probes issues that touch all men's lives: the need to control a situation; the use of violence as an accepted means of solving problems; the training to dominate women; and the inability to feel and express emotions.