Domestic Violence

The markedly increased attention focused on violence within families has gripped the concerned interest not only of academic researchers but also that of the public and its law enforcement and criminal justice segments. Contemporary recognition of the widespread problem of abuse within the home, often dramatically and poignantly detailed, has not, however, led to clear and universally accepted public institutional responses. This authoritative volume presents a comprehensive evaluation of approaches, policies, and practical enforcement measures that have been effected by law enforcement and criminal justice bodies.

This book examines the factors which shape the criminal justice response to domestic violence in the light of policy changes at the beginning of the 1990s which aimed to increase arrest rates. In particular, the book discusses the needs and expectations of victims and examines how their choices impact on decisions made by police and prosecutors. Many books on the criminal justice response to domestic violence start from the premise that withdrawal of complaints by victims and the subsequent discontinuance of cases, represents some kind of failure on the part of the agencies involved and that victims would benefit from greater determination by police to prosecute offenders wherever possible. Implicit in this approach is the assumption that the criminal justice system as it presently operates is capable of responding effectively to the needs of victims of domestic violence. This book throws doubt on the validity of these assumptions.

When most people think of domestic violence, images of battered women or abused children come to mind. But there is another side to this issue that is not as familiar - abused men. This unique book is the first to comprehensively examine this important but neglected social issue. Author Philip Cook directly challenges common assumptions about how men and women behave in society. Already praised by a diverse spectrum of readers - from "Dear Abby's" Abigail Van Buren, to the nation's leading domestic violence researcher, to those in law enforcement and counseling - this work is sure to spark controversy and discussion. It offers gripping, emotional stories, self-help for victims, provocative insight into public issues, and presents a practical approach for reducing domestic violence.

This text provides a clear introduction to the theoretical debates surrounding domestic violence and offers practical advice on possible interventions.

Public awareness regarding the life-threatening nature and intense traumatic impact of domestic violence has substantially increased in the past decade. At the same time, dramatic changes have taken place regarding criminal justice and social work policies and practices applied to domestic violence intervention. And while the prevalence of domestic violence has declined slightly, national estimates still indicate that every year, approximately eight million women are abused, battered, stalked, or killed by their husbands, boyfriends, and other intimate partners. Featuring cutting-edge research and expert intervention strategies, the Handbook of Intervention Strategies with Domestic Violence: Policies, Programs, and Legal Remedies is designed to prepare professionals to swiftly and compassionately meet the multiple needs of women and children who have suffered from domestic violence. This original and indispensable volume focues on the numerous advances in legal remedies, program developments, treatment protocols, and multidisciplinary perspectives. It is a comprehensive guide to the latest research, public policies, and legal and criminal justice responses, covering federal and state legislation as well as trends in police and court responses to domestic violence. This is the first book to include court-based technology developments and new research related to the duration and intensity of woman battering. Highlighting actual cases and promising programs, the handbook also addresses important social work issues, including risk assessment protocols, a new five level continuum of woman battering, intervention methods, and treatment models. This book also examines the myriad legal issues and health problems facing the most neglected and vulnerable battered women. Written by expert practitioners and leading scholars in the field, the book's 23 chapters provide rich insights into the complexities and challenges of addressing domestic violence.

This is an honest and insightful discussion of domestic violence from the perspective of a police officer who has experienced it in his home and encountered it professionally. Davis, a sociologist as well, uses his dual background to demonstrate that current treatment of domestic violence abuses is ineffective. A must read for all police officers, criminologists, and citizens who care about finding a successful solution to this issue.

This book paints an overall picture of how domestic violence is being dealt with today and how contemporary concerns about service-user participation in improving services can be put into real and lasting effect.

Possessiveness, insensitivity, and a sudden personality change are all warning signs of a potential abuser. Dangerous Relationships will help readers recognize a potentially violent personality before it's too late. Interweaving real-life stories of four couples, Dr. Noelle Nelson highlights dangerous turning points in relationships and explains how readers can safely diffuse tension between their spouses, lovers, or roommate and protect themselves from abuse.