Violence against women is one of the most insidious social ills facing the world today. Yet governmental response is inconsistent, ranging from dismissal to aggressive implementation of policies and programs to combat the problem. In her comparative study of thirty-six democratic governments, Laurel Weldon examines the root causes and consequences of the differences in public policy from Northern Europe to Latin America. She reveals that factors that often influence the development of social policies do not determine policies on violence against women. Neither economic level, religion, region, nor the number of women in government determine governmental responsiveness to this problem. Weldon demonstrates, for example, that Nordic governments take no more action to combat violence against women than Latin American governments, even though the Swedish welfare state is often considered a leader in social policy, particularly with regard to women’s issues. Instead, the presence of independently organized, active women’s movements plays a greater role in placing violence against women on the public agenda. The breadth and scope of governmental response is greatly enhanced by the presence of an office dedicated to promoting women’s status. Weldon closes with practical lessons and insights to improve government action on violence against women and other important issues of social justice and democracy.

"Victims of Violence: Support, Challenges and Outcomes critically exposes some of the factors used in the risk determination of intimate partner violence, alongside an analysis on the definition and management of the risk of recidivism. Traditional beliefs and gender stereotypes underlying police attitudes associated with domestic violence are explored. The authors provide considerations for domestic violence prevention and intervention programs, highlighting the importance of adopting proactive and supportive attitudes in response to victims. Researchers have measured intimate partner violence and survivors' help-seeking through a variety of different instruments, making it difficult to paint a consistent picture of intimate partner violence. As such, this collection includes the results of a study comparing three measures so as to examine whether a certain measure produces a discernible pattern of results. A subsequent study analyzes the relationship between psychopathological symptomatology and intimate partner violence in a sample of 122 Portuguese women participants, 61 with a judiciary victim status and 61 without this status. To avoid discrepancies between medical reporting and the reconstruction of sex crimes, it is crucial to use strategies which focus not only on technical aspects of evidence collection, but also on the way the victim's story will be recorded. Women most commonly experience violence victimisation by someone close to them. Therapeutic work with victims/survivors of intimate partner violence may range from immediate crisis intervention to long-term support. The award winning PAWS FOR EMPOWERMENT program in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is discussed, as well as the successes and challenges the program has faced in rescuing and training shelter dogs to serve as canine advocates. A qualitative study is presented which aims to further our understanding of how domestic violence between intimate partners can affect maternal parenting. The sample used comprised 15 mothers and victims of domestic violence, focusing on understanding how they conceive of their role as a parent. The authors go on to explore the extent to which domestic violence is regulated in Indonesia, and the extent to which such regulation is implemented. This compilation also examines how the practice of forced marriage arrangements creates vulnerabilities for girls and young women. Accordingly, a discussion is provided concerning differences and similarities between the concepts of arranged and forced marriage, and its relationship to sexual trafficking. The authors summarize findings on the association between cyber dating abuse and offline dating violence in a sample of 145 Portuguese adolescents and young adults. Additionally, a review of the literature on the phenomenon of multiple child and youth victimization is carried out, addressing the main risk factors, the implications for the development of children and young people, and guidelines for intervention. The impact that community violence exposure has on youth is assessed, accompanied with practical proposals for prevention. The concept of community violence and the different types of violence and crimes that could be involved are examined, mapping the prevalence of youth affected by this type of violence. Accordingly, to develop appropriate helpful responses to victims of violence and crime, it is particularly relevant to assess people's perceptions, to be aware of their victimization experiences and to identify their needs. In closing, using Saint Lucia as an example, some of the challenges of supporting victims of intimate violence on an island are illustrated, discussing innovative policies and practices to best support victims in this context"--

This anthology explores a wide range of violence that commonly occurs in families and between intimates. Many articles offer a feminist perspective that addresses the gendered nature of violence and the consequences of power inequality in our society. A variety of violence topics are included: child abuse, incest, violence in heterosexual dating relationships, violence in gay and lesbian relationships, acquaintance rape, wife abuse and wife rape, and elder abuse.

Given the apparent rise in many forms of violence in schools, and the dire consequences to those impacted by violence, it is vital to better support children and youth. This volume provides an overview of key areas of promise for improved research and practice to mitigate violence and respond in positive, supportive ways.

Mira Corpora is the debut novel from acclaimed playwright Jeff Jackson, an inspired, dreamlike adventure by a distinctive new talent.

Workplace Violence: Issues in Threat Management defines what workplace violence is, delves into the myths and realities surrounding the topic and provides readers with the latest statistics, thinking, and strategies in the prevention of workplace violence. The authors, who themselves have implemented successful workplace violence protection programs, guide novice and experienced practitioners alike in the development of their own programs.

Violence against women is a global problem and despite a wealth of knowledge and inspiring action around the globe, it continues unabated. Bringing together the very best in international scholarship with a rich variety of pedagogical features, this innovative new textbook on violence against women is specifically designed to provoke debate, interrogate assumptions and encourage critical thinking about this global issue. This book presents a range of critical reflections on the strengths and limitations of responses to violent crimes against women and how they have evolved to date. Each section is introduced with an overview of a particular topic by an expert in the field, followed by thoughtful reflections by researchers, practitioners, or advocates that incorporate new research findings, a new initiative, or innovative ideas for reform. Themes covered include: advances in measurement of violence against women, justice system responses to intimate partner violence and sexual assault, victim crisis and advocacy, behaviour change programs for abusers, and prevention of violence against women. Each section is supplemented with learning objectives, critical thinking questions and lists of further reading and resources to encourage discussion and to help students to appreciate the contested nature of policy. The innovative structure will bring debate alive in the classroom or seminar and makes the book perfect reading for courses on violence against women, gender and crime, victimology, and crime prevention.