Responding to Intimate Violence against Women
The Role of Informal Networks

This book examines the informal social context of rape and domestic violence against women.

Renate Klein (Author)

9781107531604, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 2 July 2015

172 pages
22.8 x 15.3 x 1.1 cm, 0.28 kg

Family members, friends, coworkers and neighbors are often the first to know that a woman has been abused by an intimate male partner. What is the proper course of action for those with knowledge of abuse? Using a wide range of empirical data from international sources, Renate Klein documents informal third parties as the first port of call, sources of support and interference, and gatekeepers to formal services. Family and social network members disrupt ongoing assaults, respond to disclosures of abuse and provide solace and practical help. These networks do not always side with victims, however, and may either sympathize with or actively support perpetrators. Klein illuminates the complexities of these contingent situations. Her analysis highlights the potential of informal third parties for effective intervention, demonstrating their significant role in promoting societies free from rape and domestic violence.

1. Introduction
2. Lessons from egalitarian societies
3. Social ties, gender beliefs and the construction of personhood
4. Disrupting assaults
5. Responses to disclosure and help-seeking
6. Collusion with perpetrators
7. Summary and conclusions
References.

Subject Areas: Social, group or collective psychology [JMH], Psychology of gender [JMG], Gender studies, gender groups [JFSJ], Domestic violence [JFFE3], Sexual abuse & harassment [JFFE2]