Routledge Domestic and Family Violence: A Critical Introduction to Knowledge and Practice

Domestic and family violence (DFV) is an enduring social and public health issue of endemic proportions and global scale, with multiple and lasting consequences for those directly affected. This book tackles current debates in the field and addresses the social norms and settings that perpetuate this type of violence, along with implications for service delivery. The book offers a thorough introduction into the nature and extent of DFV in contemporary social contexts and serves as a foundation for informed practice. It provides a firm theoretical and empirical overview of core issues, covering the challenges and support needs experienced by those affected, along with the implications this raises for the range of relevant response services. The authors also offer insight into the predominantly gendered nature of DFV and its influence beyond the traditional couple context, across age, gender, sexual orientation, cultural background, and family relationships. Drawing on theoretical explanations, international research, and practice experience, they highlight examples of good practice and holistic responses, including primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention. Written in a clear and direct style, this book will appeal to students and scholars of criminology, sociology, and social work engaged in studies of domestic and family violence, violence against women, and intimate partner violence. It will be an invaluable resource for those designing, coordinating, and conducting service responses. Review "This book, intended for students and practitioners, will be extremely valuable to each of these audiences. However, it also has the potential to reach other audiences both policy makers and academic. It is clear, accessible and incisive in its coverage of the complex issues surrounding domestic violence. The authors do not shy away from the hotly contested debates within this field but work through them for and with the reader. As a result, it offers the reader a refreshingly honest critical appreciation of what is known, what is yet to be known, and what might be doable as a consequence. Anyone interested in domestic family violence will learn much from it." Professor Sandra Walklate, Eleanor Rathbone Chair of Sociology, University of Liverpool, UK "Meyer and Frost have created a book that provides a refreshing look at domestic and family violence. The authors address head on the tensions and challenges that exist in current theorising and practice approaches, and provide effective strategies for addressing domestic and family violence. The result is a book that is comprehensive and holistic. It is a must read for domestic and family violence professionals, educators, researchers and students." Dr Yvonne Crichton-Hill, Senior Lecturer, Department of Human Services and Social Work, University of Canterbury, New Zealand "This book is as scholarly as it is practical. Administration and practitioners alike will find this book accessible, informative, and thought provoking. It will undoubtedly be an important resource that will serve as a guide to our efforts to reduce domestic and family violence." Dr Jayson Ware, Group Director, Offender Services & Program Corrective Services New South Wales, Department of Justice, Australia "Given the expansive, complex, and multi-faceted literature of this field, this book contributes a much-needed summary and reformulation of our current knowledge and best understanding of domestic and family violence. It is brilliantly organized to enable readers to find given subjects of interest, while conveying an sensitive "inside" portrayal of victimhood and perpetratorhood alike." Jerry L. Jennings, Ph.D., Vice President of Clinical Services, Liberty Healthcare Corporation, Pennsylvania, USA "This book is very timely for practitioners, educators and students who need a critical yet reflective approach to responding to domestic and family violence. Importantly the book sh