Responding to Domestic Violence

Book excerpt: This new edition of the authors' best-selling text explores the response to domestic violence today, not only by the criminal justice system, but also by social service and health care agencies. After providing a brief theoretical overview of the causes of domestic violence and its prevalence in our society and its causes, the authors cover such key topics as barriers to intervention, variations in arrest practices, the role of state and federal legislation, and case prosecution. Focusing on both victims and offenders, the book includes unique chapters on models for judicial intervention, domestic violence and health, and children and domestic violence.