SAGE Series on Violence against Women – serie

While a great deal has been written about domestic violence, almost all of it focuses on the violence of men against their current or former wives or girlfriends. Yet studies have shown that partner abuse is common and as severe among same-sex couples as among heterosexual couples. After years of willful or negligent silence, the gay/lesbian/bisexual communities, the battered women's communities, academicians, and even portions of the general public are beginning to realize that same-sex domestic violence is a serious social and public health issue.

Unfortunately, the social worker, lawyer, mental health professional, police officer, teacher, or lay person who seeks to assist victims of same-sex domestic violence quickly discovers the dearth of written resource material available. There are very few books and only a smattering of articles that focus on same-sex domestic violence. Most of these works deal either with lesbian or gay male abuse, but not both at once. Moreover, most of these works are devoted to explaining the fact of same-sex domestic violence, rather than discussing strategies for addressing it on both the individual and societal level.

This book examines a broad range of issues that confront victims of same-sex domestic violence, whether women or men, and those who offer them services. The goal is to provide a comprehensive resource book consisting of chapters by prominent professionals and activists on topics of practical concern to people who work with victims of same-sex partner abuse, Topics such as HIV, and same-sex domestic violence, establishing safe-home networks for battered gay men, courtroom advocacy, coalition building, and sexual and dating violence prevention. In each chapter, authors are sensitive and responsive to multicultural issues and to broad issues of social oppression and avoid "one-size-fits-all" assumptions and conclusions.

While a great deal has been written about domestic violence, almost all of it focuses on the violence of men against their current or former wives or girlfriends. Yet studies have shown that partner abuse is common and as severe among same-sex couples as among heterosexual couples. After years of willful or negligent silence, the gay/lesbian/bisexual communities, the battered women's communities, academicians, and even portions of the general public are beginning to realize that same-sex domestic violence is a serious social and public health issue.

Unfortunately, the social worker, lawyer, mental health professional, police officer, teacher, or lay person who seeks to assist victims of same-sex domestic violence quickly discovers the dearth of written resource material available. There are very few books and only a smattering of articles that focus on same-sex domestic violence. Most of these works deal either with lesbian or gay male abuse, but not both at once. Moreover, most of these works are devoted to explaining the fact of same-sex domestic violence, rather than discussing strategies for addressing it on both the individual and societal level.

This book examines a broad range of issues that confront victims of same-sex domestic violence, whether women or men, and those who offer them services. The goal is to provide a comprehensive resource book consisting of chapters by prominent professionals and activists on topics of practical concern to people who work with victims of same-sex partner abuse, Topics such as HIV, and same-sex domestic violence, establishing safe-home networks for battered gay men, courtroom advocacy, coalition building, and sexual and dating violence prevention. In each chapter, authors are sensitive and responsive to multicultural issues and to broad issues of social oppression and avoid "one-size-fits-all" assumptions and conclusions.

This exciting and unique new book offers a post-modern analysis linking the contemporary social crisis of masculine subjectivity and the law and order crisis over escalating violence. In doing so it examines the major biological, psychological, sociological, and anthropological theoretical models of masculinity and violence, and formulates an integrated theoretical approach to the relationship between violence and masculinity. In essence, the book focuses on violence as a gendered activity - specifically a masculine activity.

Early chapters define and theorize both violence and masculinity, and subsequent chapters focus on representations of violence and masculinity in popular culture. Familiar but insightful examples from cartoons, fiction, television, and the movies are used to illustrate the construction of masculinity in popular culture as well as the range of images of violence that dominate our senses.

Drawing from diverse literatures and traditions, this engaging book is directed to advanced undergraduate and graduate students as well as professionals in Criminology, Legal Studies, Psychology, Sociology, Gender Studies, and Cultural Studies. Because of its theoretical aspects, it will be of interest to students and scholars in the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada, as well as in the United States.

This exciting and unique new book offers a post-modern analysis linking the contemporary social crisis of masculine subjectivity and the law and order crisis over escalating violence. In doing so it examines the major biological, psychological, sociological, and anthropological theoretical models of masculinity and violence, and formulates an integrated theoretical approach to the relationship between violence and masculinity. In essence, the book focuses on violence as a gendered activity - specifically a masculine activity.

Early chapters define and theorize both violence and masculinity, and subsequent chapters focus on representations of violence and masculinity in popular culture. Familiar but insightful examples from cartoons, fiction, television, and the movies are used to illustrate the construction of masculinity in popular culture as well as the range of images of violence that dominate our senses.

Drawing from diverse literatures and traditions, this engaging book is directed to advanced undergraduate and graduate students as well as professionals in Criminology, Legal Studies, Psychology, Sociology, Gender Studies, and Cultural Studies. Because of its theoretical aspects, it will be of interest to students and scholars in the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada, as well as in the United States.

Accessibly written and presented, Changing Violent Men is based on the authors' evaluation research of various criminal justice responses and treatment programs for men who use violence against a woman partner. It seeks to answer the questions "What, if anything, works and why?"

In examining the effectiveness of two court-mandated abuser programs, compared with more traditional justice sanctions such as fines, probation, and others, the authors provide:

Both qualitative and quantitative data are used to delineate the patterns of violence and personal change and to give a voice to men as well as women speaking about their relationships, about the impact of various criminal justice interventions and about changes in their lives. Although the programs evaluated are in the United Kingdom, they are modeled on programs in the United States, so the book will have wide appeal to advanced students and practitioners in the United States, the United Kingdom, and around the world.

Accessibly written and presented, Changing Violent Men is based on the authors' evaluation research of various criminal justice responses and treatment programs for men who use violence against a woman partner. It seeks to answer the questions "What, if anything, works and why?"

In examining the effectiveness of two court-mandated abuser programs, compared with more traditional justice sanctions such as fines, probation, and others, the authors provide:

Both qualitative and quantitative data are used to delineate the patterns of violence and personal change and to give a voice to men as well as women speaking about their relationships, about the impact of various criminal justice interventions and about changes in their lives. Although the programs evaluated are in the United Kingdom, they are modeled on programs in the United States, so the book will have wide appeal to advanced students and practitioners in the United States, the United Kingdom, and around the world.

Representing an entirely new approach to domestic violence interventions, this book is based on data accumulated by the authors over the past 12 years from a series of qualitative studies, clinical practice with battered women and their batterers, and as champions of the cause of battered women. After 25 years, practitioners in the field are starting to question the original models of intervention. Both types of practitioners and settings for service are expanding rapidly. The approach advocated in this book is likely to become an important part of a new wave of alternatives available to practitioners in the coming years.

This accessible, practical volume describes and analyzes the experience of violence in dyadic life by focussing on couples who choose to remain together in spite of violence, while trying to make sense of a life in the shadow of pain, guilt, terror, and humiliation.

Representing an entirely new approach to domestic violence interventions, this book is based on data accumulated by the authors over the past 12 years from a series of qualitative studies, clinical practice with battered women and their batterers, and as champions of the cause of battered women. After 25 years, practitioners in the field are starting to question the original models of intervention. Both types of practitioners and settings for service are expanding rapidly. The approach advocated in this book is likely to become an important part of a new wave of alternatives available to practitioners in the coming years.

This accessible, practical volume describes and analyzes the experience of violence in dyadic life by focussing on couples who choose to remain together in spite of violence, while trying to make sense of a life in the shadow of pain, guilt, terror, and humiliation.

The disturbing prevalence of campus sexual assault shatters any illusion that post-secondary schools anywhere in North America are sanctuaries from the real world. Through an accessible overview of the recent Canadian National Survey on Woman Abuse in Dating Relationships, authors Walter S. DeKeseredy and Martin D. Schwartz expose a "hidden campus curriculum" that exists to maintain gender inequalities. Sexist messages, both subtle and implicit, not only foster an atmosphere of fear and insecurity but also serve as a powerful means of social control. Providing a wake-up call to North American college campuses, Woman Abuse on Campus opens up the doors for change by examining the incidence and prevalence of woman abuse in courtship, the reaction against women's use of self-defense, factors that increase the risk of dating abuse, and education and awareness programs that respond to the problem.

In order to influence policy changes, students, faculty, and administrators as well as other professionals will need to work together to inform not only themselves but others about the problem. As a tool to increase awareness and provide critical study findings, The Hidden Curriculum is an ideal supplementary text for courses in gender studies, criminology/criminal justice, sociology, social work, counseling/clinical psychology, family studies, education, and public health.

The disturbing prevalence of campus sexual assault shatters any illusion that post-secondary schools anywhere in North America are sanctuaries from the real world. Through an accessible overview of the recent Canadian National Survey on Woman Abuse in Dating Relationships, authors Walter S. DeKeseredy and Martin D. Schwartz expose a "hidden campus curriculum" that exists to maintain gender inequalities. Sexist messages, both subtle and implicit, not only foster an atmosphere of fear and insecurity but also serve as a powerful means of social control. Providing a wake-up call to North American college campuses, Woman Abuse on Campus opens up the doors for change by examining the incidence and prevalence of woman abuse in courtship, the reaction against women's use of self-defense, factors that increase the risk of dating abuse, and education and awareness programs that respond to the problem.

In order to influence policy changes, students, faculty, and administrators as well as other professionals will need to work together to inform not only themselves but others about the problem. As a tool to increase awareness and provide critical study findings, The Hidden Curriculum is an ideal supplementary text for courses in gender studies, criminology/criminal justice, sociology, social work, counseling/clinical psychology, family studies, education, and public health.

Addressing a significant void in the extant literature on the topic of domestic violence, Rural Woman Battering and the Justice System presents a thorough and arresting look at the experiences of battered women in rural communities. While living in the rural areas of Kentucky, Neil Websdale conducted his ethnographic research, and he situated the voices of rural battered women at the center of his ethnography. He clearly demonstrates how rural patriarchy and the insidious "good ol' boy network" of law enforcement and local politics sustain and reproduce the subordinate, vulnerable, isolated position of many rural women. Taking into account that traditional patterns of intervention can often put women in isolated communities at further risk, the author recommends a coordinated multiagency approach to rural battering that is spearheaded by state feminist agencies. The chapter on the difficulties of an educated male researcher working with rural battered women offers a definite methodological plus. Illuminating and accessible, Rural Woman Battering and the Justice System makes a most important and timely contribution to the field.

An excellent training resource for anyone working with battered women, especially in rural areas, Rural Woman Battering and the Justice System is highly recommended for law enforcement and criminal justice professionals, practitioners, advocates, shelter personnel, and advanced students in related courses of study, as well as academics and researchers.

This book provides a comprehensive guide to the development of a coordinated community response to domestic violence based on the internationally known "Duluth Model." Drawing from the experiences of practitioners, scholars, and researchers in the field, this book provides rich insights into the complexities and challenges of addressing domestic violence. Eight key components of a successful community intervention project are addressed in separate chapters:

- Developing policies and protocols

- Enhancing networking among service providers

- Building monitoring and tracking systems

- Developing a supportive infrastructure for victims

- Providing sanctions and rehabilitation opportunities

- Addressing the needs of children

- Evaluating the effectiveness of community response

Other chapters discuss types of violence that have been most difficult to address in providing a community response, the use of violence by women, and marital rape. Replication and adaptation in different countries (England, Australia, and New Zealand) are the focus of two chapters that lend an international perspective. This book provides the answers about what is indeed the "Duluth Model."

This book provides a comprehensive guide to the development of a coordinated community response to domestic violence based on the internationally known "Duluth Model." Drawing from the experiences of practitioners, scholars, and researchers in the field, this book provides rich insights into the complexities and challenges of addressing domestic violence. Eight key components of a successful community intervention project are addressed in separate chapters:

- Developing policies and protocols

- Enhancing networking among service providers

- Building monitoring and tracking systems

- Developing a supportive infrastructure for victims

- Providing sanctions and rehabilitation opportunities

- Addressing the needs of children

- Evaluating the effectiveness of community response

Other chapters discuss types of violence that have been most difficult to address in providing a community response, the use of violence by women, and marital rape. Replication and adaptation in different countries (England, Australia, and New Zealand) are the focus of two chapters that lend an international perspective. This book provides the answers about what is indeed the "Duluth Model."

"Battered Women, Children, and Welfare Reform provides an invaluable service for those interested in the realities of reform efforts. The text's four parts place many realities in perspectives, identify gaps in reform efforts, and map alternative paths to reform. The text undeniably bridges several disciplines and policy areas that others typically address separately. The reader most likely will remain impressed with the text's compelling, clear voice in an era of policy making in which agreement seems assumed and the proper direction for reform remain uncontested." --Journal of Marriage and the Family "The historical role of welfare in helping women free themselves from domestic abuse and children from child abuse has long been obscured. Despite its many flaws, welfare offers women a lifeline with which to climb out of an abusive relationship, and the repeal of welfare threatens to chain abused women and children to their abusers. This important and pioneering collection explores the connections between welfare and family violence, and it should be read by all concerned with women's and children's welfare." --Linda Gordon, University of Wisconsin, Madison "Ruth Brandwein has brought together a series of essays that analyze the intersection between domestic violence against women, poverty, and welfare cutbacks. Together the essays make clear that while poverty contributes to abuse, so does abuse perpetuate poverty. Moreover, the policies introduced under the banner of 'welfare reform' are likely to further endanger women who are already acutely vulnerable, both by introducing new occasions and provocations for abuse, and by reducing the scanty economic protections that welfare once provided. A fine book about an enormously important issue." --Frances Fox Piven, Distinguished Professor of Political Science and Sociology, City University of New York "This book hits squarely the RISKS that accompany welfare (and systems) reform, not debating the need for reform, but the DANGERS to spouses within the current system and in the approaches that 'experts,' who frequently have no clue about their clients, present as further abuse in the name of reform and cost-saving." --The World Pastoral Care Center Resources Hotline '99, June 1999 This tightly edited book links two timely topics -- domestic violence and welfare reform. Developed by leading interdisciplinary academics, practitioners, advocates, and policymakers, Battered Women, Children, and Welfare Reform explores various threads that tie family violence to welfare. Chapters examine how public assistance can provide the financial support necessary for escaping domestic violence; how batterers restrict their partner's job and educational opportunities, preventing them from leaving the welfare rolls; how child support regulations require disclosure of information that may increase the danger of family violence; and how child abuse is linked to the need for welfare. A key chapter, written by survivors of abuse who were also welfare recipients, completes this much needed addition to the sparse literature and research available on the connection between family violence, child support, child abuse, and welfare. The macro approach of this book lends insights that will assist practitioners in understanding their clients' objective reality. In addition, academics involved in law, social work, public policy, public administration, and women's studies will appreciate this unique study.

"Battered Women, Children, and Welfare Reform provides an invaluable service for those interested in the realities of reform efforts. The text's four parts place many realities in perspectives, identify gaps in reform efforts, and map alternative paths to reform. The text undeniably bridges several disciplines and policy areas that others typically address separately. The reader most likely will remain impressed with the text's compelling, clear voice in an era of policy making in which agreement seems assumed and the proper direction for reform remain uncontested." --Journal of Marriage and the Family "The historical role of welfare in helping women free themselves from domestic abuse and children from child abuse has long been obscured. Despite its many flaws, welfare offers women a lifeline with which to climb out of an abusive relationship, and the repeal of welfare threatens to chain abused women and children to their abusers. This important and pioneering collection explores the connections between welfare and family violence, and it should be read by all concerned with women's and children's welfare." --Linda Gordon, University of Wisconsin, Madison "Ruth Brandwein has brought together a series of essays that analyze the intersection between domestic violence against women, poverty, and welfare cutbacks. Together the essays make clear that while poverty contributes to abuse, so does abuse perpetuate poverty. Moreover, the policies introduced under the banner of 'welfare reform' are likely to further endanger women who are already acutely vulnerable, both by introducing new occasions and provocations for abuse, and by reducing the scanty economic protections that welfare once provided. A fine book about an enormously important issue." --Frances Fox Piven, Distinguished Professor of Political Science and Sociology, City University of New York "This book hits squarely the RISKS that accompany welfare (and systems) reform, not debating the need for reform, but the DANGERS to spouses within the current system and in the approaches that 'experts,' who frequently have no clue about their clients, present as further abuse in the name of reform and cost-saving." --The World Pastoral Care Center Resources Hotline '99, June 1999 This tightly edited book links two timely topics -- domestic violence and welfare reform. Developed by leading interdisciplinary academics, practitioners, advocates, and policymakers, Battered Women, Children, and Welfare Reform explores various threads that tie family violence to welfare. Chapters examine how public assistance can provide the financial support necessary for escaping domestic violence; how batterers restrict their partner's job and educational opportunities, preventing them from leaving the welfare rolls; how child support regulations require disclosure of information that may increase the danger of family violence; and how child abuse is linked to the need for welfare. A key chapter, written by survivors of abuse who were also welfare recipients, completes this much needed addition to the sparse literature and research available on the connection between family violence, child support, child abuse, and welfare. The macro approach of this book lends insights that will assist practitioners in understanding their clients' objective reality. In addition, academics involved in law, social work, public policy, public administration, and women's studies will appreciate this unique study.

"Batterer Intervention Systems is a very important book--probably the most important one on batter interventions and evaluations to date.... The writing style is very strong, conversational, and kept my interest. It presents complex information in a non-technical way. The book should be very accessible to a wide audience."

—JEFFREY L. EDLESON, Professor of Social Work, University of Minnesota,

and Director, Minnesota Center Against Violence & Abuse (MINCAVA)

One of the most burning debates in the domestic violence field is over the effectiveness of batterer programs and how to improve them. Batterer Intervention Systems responds to this debate with research from a multi-site evaluation of batterer programs—the most comprehensive and extensive evaluation to date. It critiques current experimental evaluations, exposes the complex issues of evaluation, and presents alternatives to assessing effectiveness. A four-year follow-up of program participants reveals a surprising de-escalation of abuse, a subgroup of unresponsive repeat reassaulters, and the difficulty in identifying the most dangerous men. Conventional batterer counseling appears to be appropriate for the vast majority of men. Most of all, the book shows that the "system" matters and can be improved through some straightforward adjustments.

"Batterer Intervention Systems is a very important book--probably the most important one on batter interventions and evaluations to date.... The writing style is very strong, conversational, and kept my interest. It presents complex information in a non-technical way. The book should be very accessible to a wide audience."

—JEFFREY L. EDLESON, Professor of Social Work, University of Minnesota,

and Director, Minnesota Center Against Violence & Abuse (MINCAVA)

One of the most burning debates in the domestic violence field is over the effectiveness of batterer programs and how to improve them. Batterer Intervention Systems responds to this debate with research from a multi-site evaluation of batterer programs—the most comprehensive and extensive evaluation to date. It critiques current experimental evaluations, exposes the complex issues of evaluation, and presents alternatives to assessing effectiveness. A four-year follow-up of program participants reveals a surprising de-escalation of abuse, a subgroup of unresponsive repeat reassaulters, and the difficulty in identifying the most dangerous men. Conventional batterer counseling appears to be appropriate for the vast majority of men. Most of all, the book shows that the "system" matters and can be improved through some straightforward adjustments.

"Evaluating Services for Survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault is a valuable resource not only for researchers and evaluators, but for service providers and funders as well. Written in clear, straightforward language, it addresses many complex factors that come in to play when conducting victim--service evaluations, including issues of safety and confidentiality. A great tool for anyone involved in the work to end violence against women."

--Cris M. Sullivan, author of Outcome Evaluation Strategies for Domestic Violence Programs: A Practical Guide  

"This book responds to the tremendous pressure and need to evaluate domestic violence services with some practical advice and experience. It not only outlines the basic considerations of evaluations, but also discusses the contextual issues that make evaluation in the domestic violence field unique and challenging."

--Edward Gondolf, author of Batterer Intervention Systems and Assessing Woman Battering in Mental Health Services

Evaluation programs that effectively measure the success of domestic violence and sexual assault services are essential not only to assure high levels of client service and continued funding, but also in evaluating how far society has come in the effort to end violence against women.

Evaluating Services for Survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault provides comprehensive guidelines and field-tested tools for direct service evaluation programs. It also chronicles and celebrates over thirty years of progress made by the anti-violence movement. The authors offer a wealth of practical information at the same time identifying key issues and placing them in the broader context of social and political change.

Essential reading for anyone who works in or is affiliated with programs serving the needs of victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, Evaluating Services for Survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault addresses the needs of both service providers and evaluators as well as funding agencies and policy makers. 

"Evaluating Services for Survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault is a valuable resource not only for researchers and evaluators, but for service providers and funders as well. Written in clear, straightforward language, it addresses many complex factors that come in to play when conducting victim--service evaluations, including issues of safety and confidentiality. A great tool for anyone involved in the work to end violence against women."

--Cris M. Sullivan, author of Outcome Evaluation Strategies for Domestic Violence Programs: A Practical Guide  

"This book responds to the tremendous pressure and need to evaluate domestic violence services with some practical advice and experience. It not only outlines the basic considerations of evaluations, but also discusses the contextual issues that make evaluation in the domestic violence field unique and challenging."

--Edward Gondolf, author of Batterer Intervention Systems and Assessing Woman Battering in Mental Health Services

Evaluation programs that effectively measure the success of domestic violence and sexual assault services are essential not only to assure high levels of client service and continued funding, but also in evaluating how far society has come in the effort to end violence against women.

Evaluating Services for Survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault provides comprehensive guidelines and field-tested tools for direct service evaluation programs. It also chronicles and celebrates over thirty years of progress made by the anti-violence movement. The authors offer a wealth of practical information at the same time identifying key issues and placing them in the broader context of social and political change.

Essential reading for anyone who works in or is affiliated with programs serving the needs of victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, Evaluating Services for Survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault addresses the needs of both service providers and evaluators as well as funding agencies and policy makers.