Citation

Stoops S. Int. Rev. Victimology 2008; 15(3): 330-332.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, World Society of Victimology, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Reviews the book, "Mothering through domestic violence" by Lorraine Radford and Marianne Hester (see record 2006-12718-000). This comprehensive volume brings together the authors' considerable research and over twenty years of experience into the study of domestic violence. Its focus is mainly on six pieces of participatory and action research conducted over the last several years with a wide range of subjects. Whilst the terminology employed is of 'domestic violence', one would prefer to employ the broader term of 'domestic abuse'. 'Victimhood' itself is a difficult concept. On the one hand we have the notion of a powerless person, unable to do anything to change their lived reality, whilst reclamation of 'victimhood' serves as a basis for redress and access to justice. A better understanding of the impact of domestic violence through reading this volume will help to reduce the stigma and blaming of victims and accept that they are not complicit in their abuse and therefore are as deserving as any other victim of respect and parity of justice. This work will be of interest to academics (particularly in the fields of women's studies and criminology), researchers, IDVAs (Independent Domestic Violence Advisors), ISVAs (Independent Sexual Violence Advisors) and practitioners working with victims of domestic abuse. It should also be required reading for commissioners of domestic abuse services and social workers. The lack of understanding by many agencies and professionals dealing with women and children who have domestic abuse in their lives often further victimizes them. This book shows just how difficult 'mothering through domestic violence' really is. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)