Domestic violence does not discriminate and is prevalent throughout the word regardless of race, age or socio-economic status. Why, then, do reactions and response differ so widely throughout the world? While some countries work diligently to address the matter through prevention and training, others take a 'hands-off' approach in their response. This book is one of the first to investigate domestic violence on a global scale and provides best practices gleaned from various countries around the world to paint a detailed picture of how police response to domestic violence is currently being conducted and provide training bodies with up-to-date information to enhance current curricula. Domestic Violence in International Context brings together expert scholars native to twelve different countries to examine the history and scope of domestic violence and how it is being addressed, repressed or ignored in their thirteen respective countries. Their specialised knowledge and unique data come together to create a series of snapshots that will guide nations, societies and communities worldwide in formulating effective strategies to prevent, intervene and combat this epidemic, and examine partnerships and programmes already in place. This book is essential reading for practitioners, policy makers, and human rights organisations, as well as students and scholars of criminology, social work, sociology and law.

Interagency working on domestic violence has progressed much in recent years, with the introduction of domestic violence units and formal multi-agency arrangements involving the police, local authorities and specialist non-statutory organisations. Innovative work in the United Kingdom is paralleled by developments elsewhere. This book considers the policy implications of interagency approaches. It examines some of the theoretical concepts that underlie this work and brings together evaluations of innovative projects and examples of good interagency practice. The chapters are not all written from the same perspective. Some are more guarded or more critical of the approach than others. We hope that the book will offer to its readers information that will enable them to make their own assessments. Contents include: Multi-Agency Responses: A Dynamic Way Forward or a Face-Saver and Talking Shop Gill Hague, Research Fellow, Domestic Violence Research Group, University of Bristol . A Perspective from Women's Aid Nicola Harwin, National Co-Ordinator, Women's Aid Federation of England. . Domestic Violence and Interagency Child Protection Work Thangam Debbonaire, former National Children's Officer, Women's Aid Federation of England . The Multi-Agency Approach: A Panacea or Obstacle to Women's Struggles for Freedom from Violence? Pragna Patel, Southall Black Sisters . Feminist Reflections on Interagency Forums and the Concept of Partnership Liz Kelly, Director, Child and Women Abuse Studies Unit, University of North London . Equalities Issues in Multi-Agency Work Gill Hague, Charlene Henry, Chair, Derby Domestic Violence Action Group and Ann Webster, Equalities Officer, Derby City Council . Interagency Developments on Domestic Violence in Hammersmith and Fulham Robyn Holder, former Community Safety Officer, Hammersmith and Fulham . Leeds Interagency Project (Women and Violence) Andrea Tara-Chand, Manager Leeds Interagency Project . Reaching Joint Agreement on Domestic Violence Policies Annie Moelwyn-Hughes, former Co-Ordinator of Central Scotland M/A Project . Duluth: A Co-Ordinated Community Response to Domestic Violence Ellen Pence, National Training Project, Duluth, Minnesota and Martha McMahon, University of Victoria . Housing Agencies, Domestic Violence and Inter-Agency Work Ellen Malos, Research Fellow, Domestic Violence Research Group, University of Bristol . Policing Domestic Violence and Interagency Work Sharon Grace, Crime and Criminal Justice Unit, Research and Statistics Directorate, Home Office . The Probation Perspective A E Stelman, B Johnson, S Hanley and J Geraghty, Domestic Violence Working Group, Association of Chief Officers of Probation . Social Services Response to Domestic Violence Audrey Mullender, Professor of Social Work, University of Warwick . Education and Domestic Violence Davina James-Hanman, Co-Ordinator, Greater London Domestic Violence Project Nicola Harwin is National Coordinator, Women's Aid Federation of England, Gill Hague and Ellen Malos are Research Fellows, Domestic Violence Research Group, University of Bristol.

With its focus on the connection between health and mental health symptoms, this seminal, groundbreaking work continues to forge new directions in the field of domestic violence. Describing a condition that is the basis for the battered woman defence - cited in cases of psychically- and psychologically-abused women who have killed their abusers - it continues to be used as a defence to explain premeditated assault or murder. Completely updated, the fourth edition reflects the significant changes in the field since the book was last published, incorporating ACA Guidelines on Health Care and Domestic Violence and data from the Adverse Childhood Experiences Study. It examines new research regarding battered women in other countries and multicultural groups, and includes several new chapters addressing issues ranging from murder-suicide in domestic violence cases to proposed legislation and Congressional resolutions. The fourth edition provides new findings worldwide that reinforce the cycle theory of violence. It reflects new research on traumatic responses, and addresses Trauma-Informed and Specific Psychotherapy, interventions with youth in juvenile detention centres, information from government task forces regarding children exposed to violence and juvenile justice, and new findings regarding the application of psychology to the legal system. Entirely new to the fourth edition is a section about reforming family court and divorce presumptions. This is crucial reading for nearly all health and mental health workers who may be called upon to ask clients about experiences of domestic violence and must respond knowledgably and effectively. New to the fourth edition: Fully revised and updated. Incorporates ACA Guidelines on Health Care and Domestic Violence. Includes data from the Adverse Childhood Experiences Study. Addresses findings regarding battered women in other countries/multicultural groups. New chapter on murder/suicide in domestic violence cases. New chapter on trauma treatment for victims of IPV. New chapter on interventions in juvenile detention centres according to recent reforms. New chapter on human trafficking and sexual exploitation of children. New chapter on elder abuse. New chapter on false confessions of battered women. New chapter on Immigration and Violence Against Women Act. New chapter about proposed legislation and Congressional resolutions. Key Features: Addresses myths and science of domestic violence. Examines the interaction of IPV and other family violence. Presents best-practice intervention strategies. Discusses application of psychology to the legal system. Covers preventative measures.

The second edition of this comprehensive text for MSW and BSW students studying family violence is fully reorganized for improved flow of information, is substantially revised, and is updated to reflect current scholarship and practice. Focusing on child abuse and maltreatment, intimate partner violence (IPV), and older adult abuse, the book covers assessment procedures and evidence-based treatments used by social workers with victims and perpetrators of all age groups and of both genders. It provides expanded information on agencies advocating on behalf of children including Child Advocacy Centers, Guardian ad litems, and Court Appointed Special Advocates as well as child welfare laws and policies. The textbook provides updated information related to IPV and vulnerable/at-risk populations including sex trafficking veterans and male victims.. The second edition also features more in-depth theoretical information integrated with case studies, and new information regarding technological issues and criminal justice reform. The authors address assessments and interventions for adult victims of family violence, adult survivors of child abuse, child witnesses of domestic violence, adolescent victims of dating violence, older adult victims of abuse, and both male and female perpetrators of abuse. The text encompasses several features that make it particularly useful in the classroom including real-life case studies in every chapter, key terms, and discussion questions. An updated and robust instructor package includes a fully revised instructor's manual and more detailed PowerPoints. New to the Second Edition: Aligns with 2015 CSWE Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards Adds updated news articles to help stimulate discussion on chapter content Updated instructor package including fully revised manual Updated and expanded powerpoint presentations Expanded information in the child maltreatment section on Child Advocacy Centers, Guardian ad litem, and Court Appointed Special Advocates A new child maltreatment case example and SMART plan Updated child welfare laws and policies Expanded coverage of safety planning and protection orders for IPV victims New coverage of IPV and sex trafficking Expanded coverage of IPV with male victims and their female perpetrators Coverage of multiple vulnerable and at-risk populations Use of pet therapy and service dogs for IPV in military Updated material on causation of older adult abuse Inclusion of instrument to screen for maltreatment Expanded chapter on assessment and intervention of older adult abuse Example of a possible risk assessment for older adults< Key Features: Presents comprehensive coverage of child abuse and maltreatment, intimate partner violence, and older adult abuse Examines ethical dilemmas regarding family violence Includes plentiful case examples, real-life stories, key terms, and discussion questions

"Men's Violence Against Women" offers a balance of clinical and social psychological theory and research, as well as prevention and intervention techniques with the purpose of understanding and ultimately ending gender-based violence. The authors address several forms of violence, including rape, intimate partner violence, stalking, and sexual harassment in a contemporary linguistic style carefully crafted to avoid victim blaming. Although most men do not perpetrate violence against women, such violence is not a " women' s" issue; it will take the strength and courage of both women and men to solve this human issue.

This book moves full circle in its coverage of the topic as it explores the silent epidemic of men' s violence against women, the grave consequences of this violence on both individuals and society, and the historical and current foundations that serve to both criminalize "and" tolerate men' s violence against women. The authors describe a variety of efforts to treat both offenders and victims highlighting both their vital importance and their insufficiency in preventing violence. The final part of the book contains descriptions of model violence prevention approaches and techniques for implementing these programs. Readers are empowered as they discover how they can be part of the solution.
"Men's Violence Against Women" is intended as a text for courses in gender-based violence in a variety of disciplines including psychology, sociology, and women's, men's, and/or gender studies. The book is also a valuable resource for college and community gender-based violence prevention and intervention program providers.

Domestic violence is a serious, widespread public, social and health problem that affects the lives of many women, children and men. There is also evidence to suggest it has one of the highest rates of recidivism. This comprehensive book provides an overview of what the research tells us about the perpetrators of domestic violence and what works, and what doesn't, in promoting positive change. Collecting together the most up-to-date evidence from the international literature and bringing psychological, sociological, gendered and socio-political theoretical perspectives to bear on the issue, the authors explore: - what domestic violence is, why it happens and how it can be measured - who the perpetrators of domestic violence are, including discussion of non-stereotypical patterns such as male victims, female perpetrators, couples where the abuse is mutual, and couples with abusive relationships who want the abuse to end but the relationship to be sustained - strategies for engaging perpetrators in interventions and for promoting behaviour change - evidence-informed interventions, programmes and policies for working with perpetrators - where robust evidence is lacking and more research needs to be undertaken. Domestic violence is a significant problem for those individuals and families whose life is affected by this issue, the social, health and criminal justice agencies that respond to it, and wider society which must bear the costs and its devastating effects. This volume is an important reference for all those researching and working with the victims, survivors and perpetrators of domestic violence, including academics and students from fields such as social work, sociology, criminology, psychology and social policy.

Arguing that law must be looked at holistically, this book investigates the 'hidden gender' of the so-called neutral or objective legal principles that structure the law addressing violence against women. Adopting an explicitly feminist perspective, it investigates how legal responses to violence against women presuppose, maintain and perpetuate a certain context that may not in fact reflect women's experiences. Carline and Easteal draw upon relevant legislation, case law and secondary studies from a range of territories, including Australia, England and Wales, the United States, Canada and Europe, to contextualize and critique different policy responses. They go on to examine the potential and limits of law, making recommendations for best practice models of policymaking and law reform. Aiming to help improve government, community and legal responses to women who experience violence, Shades of Grey - Domestic and Sexual Violence Against Women: Law Reform and Society will assist law-makers, academics, policymakers and a wider audience in understanding the complexities of violence against women.

Damsel No More! is centered on the premise of creativity and magic with which women are able to overcome their abuse anxiety for good. The self-help industry has a habit of taking life too seriously, however, Damsel No More! takes a very different approach. Using the philosophies of Role Play Gaming, think Dungeons and Dragons, Damsel No More! takes on the dubious challenge of overcoming the anxiety felt after relationship abuse and makes it, well, fun! In this adventure, women learn all the skills needed to stop their past relationships from ruining their current one, such as: how to stop feeling guilty for everything, how to establish and communicate boundaries, and how to overcome their fears and communicate with their partner. Not only that, but every step of the way is filled with creativity and play to keep women motivated and excited until the final word. It is time to slay anxiety and have the healthy love that is deserved, it is time to be a Damsel No More!

Acclaimed activist and scholar Gill Hague recounts the inspiring story of the domestic violence movement in the UK and beyond from the 1960s onwards in this captivating book. Memories, poems and interviews with activists, practitioners and abuse survivors shed new light on a period of immense change, shaped by a generation of feminist pioneers. From the women's liberation movement until now, this book showcases the campaigning zeal with which policies, services and awareness-raising on gendered violence in the UK and across the world were built, including for Black and minority women. This fascinating history will inform and inspire new ways forward within the domestic violence movement.

Feminist Advocacy: Gendered Organizations in Community-based Responses to Domestic Violence examines victim advocacy through a gendered organizations perspective. This monograph draws from in-depth interviews with twenty-six domestic violence victim advocates to examine their experiences with gendered policies and practices in the justice system, child protective services, and shelters. Andrea J. Nichols explores justice system interventions related to pro-arrest, dual arrest, no-drop prosecution, protective orders, and the actions of police and judges. In addition, she examines policies and practices related to child protective services that negatively affect battered women, such as charges for failure to protect and lost custody. Nichols also explores the most contentiously debated shelter policies, including curfew, confidentiality, substance abuse, entrance requirements, admitting adolescent boys, and mandatory classes. Drawing from advocates' narratives of their experiences, Feminist Advocacy bears significant implications for policy and practice in community-based responses to domestic violence. This book will prove especially valuable to anyone who studies or works in the fields of social work, human services, criminal justice, or criminology, including advocates, practitioners, students, academic researchers, and those interested in intimate partner violence.

Gender-Based Perspectives on Batterer Programs responds to the intense debate about the approach and effectiveness of batterer programs, especially in light of the "evidence-based practice" movement. But it does so through a collection of 24 interviews with batterer program founders and leaders who have been working in the field for 25 to 35 years. In the process, it answers many of the misconceptions and misrepresentations of batterer programs, and highlights their contributions and development. It also offers recommendations to researchers and the field in general that would help strengthen the work overall. More specifically, the book is a follow-up to the author's research-oriented book, The Future of Batterer Programs: Reassessing Evidence-Based Practice (Northeastern University Press, 2012). That book critically reviewed the research on batterer programs in light of the demand for documentation of program effectiveness and documented the effective role of batterer programs in an intervention system. It also exposed the need for "evidence-based practice" research to include the feedback, interpretations, and critique of practitioners who have their own "evidence" to contribute. In Gender-Based Perspectives on Batterer Programs, a summarizing introduction and conclusion on leadership frame the set of leader interviews. The collection of interviews represents an archive of the experience and wisdom of long-term workers in the field-many of whom are on the verge of retirement. This "database" should help researchers develop more meaningful studies, and ground research results in actualities of the work. Ideally, the interviews will also help practitioners realize their commonalities and better represent themselves to their critics and public in general.

Surveys reveal that domestic abuse is more commonplace among teenagers and young adults than older populations, yet surprisingly little is written about young men's involvement in it. Reporting on a three-year study based in the UK, this book explores young men's involvement in domestic abuse, whether as victims, perpetrators or witnesses to violent behaviors between adults. Original survey data, focus group material and in-depth biographical interviews are used to make the case for a more thoroughgoing engagement with the meanings young men come to attribute to violent behavior, include the tendency among many to configure violence within families as "fights" that call for acts of male heroism. The book also highlights the dearth of services interventions for young men prone to domestic abuse, and the challenges of developing responsive practice in this area. Each section of the book highlights further online resources that those looking to conduct research in this area or apply its insights in practice can draw upon.

'Honour'-based violence is a form of intimate violence committed against women (and some men) by husbands, fathers, brothers and male relatives. A very common social phenomenon, it has existed throughout history and in a wide variety of societies across the world, from white European to African cultures, from South and East Asia to Latin America. The most extreme form of Honour-based violence - 'honour' killing - tragically remains widespread. Over the last decade, national and international efforts, including new policy development and activist campaigns, have begun to challenge the practice. Based on a pioneering and unique study, conducted collaboratively by the Centre for Gender and Violence Research, University of Bristol, the University of Roehampton and Kurdish Women's Rights Watch, this book is at the forefront of this new and challenging policy direction.

Ronald T. Potter-Efron consciously connects anger management and domestic violence, two long separated fields, and addresses treatment options and intervention methods that meet the needs of individual clients, couples, families, and groups. Therapists, counselors, social workers, and other treatment specialists will find this book a useful overview and reference for anger and anger management techniques as well as domestic violence approaches. This new edition is split into four distinct sections: * A description of anger and domestic violence focused upon helping clients use the principles of neuroplasticity to dramatically alter their behavior * Assessment for anger problems and/or domestic violence * Group treatment for individuals with anger problems and/or domestic violence * Individual, couples, and family treatment of these concerns. Woven through this book is a fair and balanced treatment of gender issues, reflected in the diversity of case examples that address jealousy, chronic anger, behavioral problems, group and individual counseling, and more. Readers are also shown how anger develops and can lead to verbal and physical outbursts, the five types of rage reactions, and how to treat anger turned inward. Potter-Efron also details four different approaches to treating anger: behavioral, cognitive, affective, and existential/spiritual. Mental health professionals are provided numerous questionnaires and worksheets to utilize with their clients. Handbook of Anger Management and Domestic Violence Offender Treatment is an essential guidebook that illustrates effective theory and practice.

Although an anecdotal association between communication and family violence was noted early in the family violence literature, a communication approach to family violence has been underrepresented in the literature. This book is a welcome contribution to the literature because it demonstrates that the connection between communication and family violence is much more complex than a skills deficit of one or more members of a violent relationship. --Gail Whitchurch, Department of Communication Studies, Indiana University Adding an innovative perspective to traditional psychological and sociological approaches, Family Violence from a Communication Perspective lays out a new theoretical framework for understanding and resolving abusive family interactions. This exceptional volume features contributions from a variety of disciplines that examine the interactional processes at the core of domestic abuse, aggression, and violence. The contributors explore the development of violence in the family, beginning with courtship violence, proceeding through marital violence, and perpetuated through parent-child violence. Providing keen insight, the chapters examine the commonalities and differences inherent in emotional, psychological, verbal, and sexual abuse and how they all stem from basic communication problems. An essential resource for students and scholars in communication, family studies, relationship studies, psychology, sociology, and women's studies, Family Violence from a Communication Perspective also offers a refreshing viewpoint for professionals in the human services.

Arguing that law must be looked at holistically, this book investigates the 'hidden gender' of the so-called neutral or objective legal principles that structure the law addressing violence against women. Adopting an explicitly feminist perspective, it investigates how legal responses to violence against women presuppose, maintain and perpetuate a certain context that may not in fact reflect women's experiences. Carline and Easteal draw upon relevant legislation, case law and secondary studies from a range of territories, including Australia, England and Wales, the United States, Canada and Europe, to contextualize and critique different policy responses. They go on to examine the potential and limits of law, making recommendations for best practice models of policymaking and law reform. Aiming to help improve government, community and legal responses to women who experience violence, Shades of Grey - Domestic and Sexual Violence Against Women: Law Reform and Society will assist law-makers, academics, policymakers and a wider audience in understanding the complexities of violence against women.

Overwhelmingly, it is women who are the victims of domestic violence and this book puts women s experiences of domestic violence at its centre, whilst acknowledging their many diverse and complex identities.

Concentrating on the various forms of domestic abuse and its occurrence and manifestations within different contexts, it argues that gender is centrally implicated in the unique factors that shape violence across all these areas. Individual chapters outline the experiences of:

• Mothers
• Older women
• Women with religious affiliations
• Refugee women
• Rural women
• Aboriginal women
• Women in same-sex relationships
• Women with intellectual disabilities.

Exploring how domestic violence across varying contexts impacts on different women s experiences and understandings of abuse, this innovative work draws on post-structural feminist theory and how these ideas view, and potentially allow, gendered explanations of domestic violence. "Domestic Violence in Diverse Contexts" is suitable for academics and researchers interested in issues around violence and gender. "

Over the past 25 years, developing coordinated responses to intimate partner violence and sexual violence has improved both perpetrator accountability, and victim safety and self-determination. However, preventing intimate partner violence and sexual violence from occurring is beyond the ability of any one type of organization. Preventing this violence requires a network of individuals, groups and organizations who coordinate and assess their efforts on an ongoing basis. This volume provides theoretical and practical guidance for the development of state and local prevention systems that hold the potential to eliminate persistent social problems. The development of prevention systems was informed by the data-driven public health model, systems theory and the ecological systems perspective. Strengthening Systems to Prevent Intimate Partner Violence and Sexual Violence offers guidance on how to gain participation of the right partners in developing a prevention system, and how to focus the work of that system on the critical areas of planning, implementation and capacity building. The guidance, resources and experience shared in this important collection will be invaluable to all those working towards the prevention of intimate partner violence and sexual violence. This book is based on a special issue of the Journal of Family Social Work.

I found this book to be penetrating, easy to read, and very thought provoking. . . . It really is an excellent treatment of a sensitive subject. I highly recommend it. --Nicolette Jackson, Re-Entry Center of Orange County Community College, Costa Mesa, California "Mollie Whalen's book Counseling to End Violence Against Women is subversive in the best sense of the word. She has tackled head-on the challenge of a social action approach to working with abused women. The book is provocative, challenging the reader to pursue fundamental social change in the practice of counseling victims of domestic violence." --Ruth A. Brandwein, The University of Utah "After years of heavy psychologizing discourse, a book has finally come along that places initiation into the women's movement at the core of counseling violated women. Mollie Whalen cuts through professionalization and brings the political back into the process of counseling women. A wonderfully subversive work." --Bonnie Burstow, Private Practice, Toronto Feminist theory has viewed violence against women as a result of a male-dominated society, but traditional counseling models for battered women have largely failed to encourage social change as a solution to this disturbing epidemic. Offering challenging arguments on the power of the counseling relationship to initiate change, Counseling to End Violence Against Women unites feminist and radical feminist theory and counseling practice to promote women's liberation from violence and sexual oppression. In her comprehensive model, author Mollie Whalen examines the historical roles of the women's movement and the battered women's movement in relation to the development of a politically subversive approach to counseling. Whalen's model focuses not only on empowering individual women but on seizing the collective power of women to end their victimization. Grounded in theory, this practical model also addresses professional issues that confront counselors in their work with battered women. In Counseling to End Violence Against Women, Whalen reconstructs the role of counseling with victimized women and promotes a valuable model for use in treatment and training. Counselors and counseling students will find her perspective challenging and invaluable.

Domestic violence is a major public health concern, affecting millions worldwide. It is underreported, often devastating and sometimes ends in murder. In Toxic Couples: The Psychology of Domestic Violence, Anna Motz integrates psychological and criminological data with clinical illustrations and discussion of current high-profile cases. She examines the complex manifestations and multiple causes of intimate partner violence. Motz disentangles the roles played by those involved and examines the addictive nature of these damaging partnerships. The book describes various forms of abuse, including physical, sexual and emotional, and analyses how intimate partner violence can escalate to murder. She explores important factors including: the role of addiction; homelessness and vulnerability; the intergenerational transmission of abuse; sadomasochistic relationships; honour-based violence. The book emphasizes the significance of female- as well as male-perpetrated violence and outlines the powerful impact on the children of abusive parents, extending the clinical awareness of professionals working with those affected. Toxic Couples: The Psychology of Domestic Violence is ideal for clinicians working with the victims and perpetrators of intimate partner violence, for students of psychology, gender studies and social care courses and for anyone interested in the psychological forces behind violence in relationships. ]

As mental-health professionals see increasing numbers of women arrested for domestic violence, the need for effective resources also increases. Choosing Nonviolence fills this void, providing an interactive and comprehensive treatment tool.

If you are a group leader, Choosing Nonviolence will provide materials to deepen your current group curriculum. Interactive lessons and exercises cover important topics such as trust, respect, parenting, substance abuse, safety planning, and achieving nonviolence. Each chapter contains stories from actual group members to illuminate important dynamics as well as "tool" exercises designed to provide an opportunity for your group members to learn vital skills.

If you are a group member, you will find this book to be an important supplement to the work you are doing in group. The personal stories from women who have been in group will show you how they have stumbled and succeeded on their path to change. You will get to learn from these experiences and will see how you can integrate the lessons into your own life. The exercises will enhance your participation in group, and the homework assignments will deepen your growth outside your counseling time.

Feminist Advocacy: Gendered Organizations in Community-based Responses to Domestic Violence examines victim advocacy through a gendered organizations perspective. This monograph draws from in-depth interviews with twenty-six domestic violence victim advocates to examine their experiences with gendered policies and practices in the justice system, child protective services, and shelters. Andrea J. Nichols explores justice system interventions related to pro-arrest, dual arrest, no-drop prosecution, protective orders, and the actions of police and judges. In addition, she examines policies and practices related to child protective services that negatively affect battered women, such as charges for failure to protect and lost custody. Nichols also explores the most contentiously debated shelter policies, including curfew, confidentiality, substance abuse, entrance requirements, admitting adolescent boys, and mandatory classes. Drawing from advocates' narratives of their experiences, Feminist Advocacy bears significant implications for policy and practice in community-based responses to domestic violence. This book will prove especially valuable to anyone who studies or works in the fields of social work, human services, criminal justice, or criminology, including advocates, practitioners, students, academic researchers, and those interested in intimate partner violence.

Featuring cutting-edge information from the international arena, Out of the Darkness pulls together into one seminal volume the work of emerging scholars and key figures in the field. Edited by Glenda Kaufman Kantor and Jana Jasinski, this book provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary package of the newest generation of investigation and theory. Professionals and researchers in child welfare, mental health, and criminal justice fields will want to read this book to keep up with the latest controversial topics; international studies; theory, methods, assessment, and interventions; and ethical and cultural issues related to both child and partner abuse. Chapters address pressing questions such as: Is wife abuse declining? Are child homicides increasing? Does couple treatment work in violent marriages? From this volume several noteworthy findings emerge, including the wide variations in the forms, types, and consequences of abuse; the need for support and change in both victim and batterer behaviors; the overdue move toward expertise and sensitivity when dealing with affected populations; and much more. Out of the Darkness makes a contribution to the field on a par with other classics. It is a must read for advanced students, researchers, practitioners, activists, and policymakers concerned with any or all aspects of family violence.

When Zoe was taken into care at the age of 13, she thought she was finally going to escape from the cruel abuse she had suffered throughout her childhood. Then social services placed her in a residential unit known to be 'a target for prostitution', and suddenly Zoe's life was worse than it had ever been before. Abused and ostracized by her mother, humiliated by her father's sexual innuendos, physically assaulted and bullied by her eldest brother, even as a young child Zoe thought she deserved the desperately unhappy life she was living. 'I've sharpened a knife for you,' her mother told her the first time she noticed angry red wounds on her daughter's arms. And when Zoe didn't kill herself, her mother gave her whisky, which she drank in the hope that it would dull the miserable, aching loneliness of her life. One day at school Zoe showed her teacher the livid bruises that were the result of her mother's latest physical assault and within days she was taken into care. Zoe had been at Denver House for just three weeks when an older girl asked if she'd like to go to a party, then took her to a house where there were just three men. Zoe was a virgin until that night, when two of the men raped her. Having returned to the residential unit in the early hours of the morning, when she told a member of staff what had happened to her, her social worker made a joke about it, then took her to get the morning-after pill. For Zoe, the indifference of the staff at the residential unit seemed like further confirmation of what her mother had always told her - she was worthless. Before long, she realised that the only way to survive in the unit was to go to the 'parties' the older girls were paid to take her to, drink the drinks, smoke the cannabis and try to blank out what was done to her when she was abused, controlled and trafficked around the country. No action was taken by the unit's staff or social workers when Zoe asked for their help, and without anyone to support or protect her, the horrific abuse continued for the next few years, even after she left the unit. But in her heart Zoe was always a fighter. This is the harrowing, yet uplifting story, of how she finally broke free of the abuse and neglect that destroyed her childhood and obtained justice for her years of suffering.

This book explores changing patterns of domestic violence in Asia. Based on extensive original research in the Maldives, it argues that forces of globalisation, consumerism, Islamism and democratisation are changing the nature of domestic relations, with shifting ideas surrounding gender and Islam being particularly significant. The book points out that domestic violence has been relatively low in the Maldives in comparison with other Asian countries, as a result of, the book argues, a history of relatively equal gender relations, an ideology of masculinity that is associated with calmness and rationality where violence is not considered an acceptable means of dealing with problems, and flexible marriage and divorce practices. The book shows how these factors are being undermined by new ideas which emphasise the need for wifely obedience, increasing gender inequality and the right of husbands to be coercive.