NCJ Number
104721
Editor(s)
D J Sonkin
Date Published
1986
Length
284 pages
Annotation
The text examines domestic violence as it relates to the battered woman, children, and the offender.
Abstract
Part 1 discusses the historical roots of domestic violence in patriarchal societies and in relation to psychoanalytic theory and civil and criminal law, the San Francisco Violence Project, which provided police training and a various victim services, is described. The role of community agencies in facilitating government policy changes also is discussed. Part 2 focuses on the battered woman. Case studies illustrate the effects of continued psychological, sexual, and verbal abuse on the victim. Also considered is the response of the criminal justice system to the victim, including its inherent biases as they affect juror selection, and the use of expert witnesses in defending women who have assaulted or killed their abusers. Part 3 addresses the effects of domestic violence on children and their perceptions and memory of domestic violence. A review of the literature on the effects of domestic violence on child development is provided in a discussion of custody and visitation issues. Part 4 considers the assessment, treatment, and criminal justice system management of the male batterer. Illustrative case studies illuminate issues in the offender-victim relationship, the use of expert testimony in homicide cases, and confidentialty in therapy. An epilogue discusses justice-making for the battered woman and considers the myths and misperceptions which tend to place blame on the victim. Index and chapter references.