Citation

Adshead G. Int. J. Feminist Approaches Bioeth. 2011; 4(1): 41-68.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, University of Toronto Press)

DOI

10.1353/ijf.2011.0000

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Feminist analyses address the way differences between the sexes are conceptualized and operationalized in society. In this paper, I discuss how violence by men and women is conceptualized as different in the psychological scientific discourses of forensic mental health. I suggest that these empirical discourses perpetuate assumptions of difference and discourage examination of similarities. Specifically, I will argue that neutralization techniques are frequently used that reduce women's agency and responsibility for violence compared to their male counterparts, and compared to nonoffending women. I discuss the implications for violence research and interventions for violence perpetrators.