The Domestic Assault of Women
The Domestic Assault of Women
Psychological and Criminal Justice Perspectives
The Domestic Assault of Women relates social and criminal justice policy to empirically tested social psychological theory about the causes and effects of wife assault. Donald G. Dutton argues that only by understanding the psychology of both the aggressors and the victims of wife assault can we generate informed social and criminal justice policy. By linking the psychological factors that support assaultive habits to police arrest policy and subsequent treatment, Dutton shows how police/therapist intervention can interrupt assaultive behaviour and prevent recidivism.
This edition has been thoroughly revised to reflect current work in the field. More figures, including recently developed scales and data sets, have been added to increase its usefulness.
This book is a must for every psychologist and other social scientist in the nature of violence. Advocates and social policy workers in the field should read this book, in fact, they ignore it at their peril.
Provides probably the most comprehensive work available on the social, developmental, and pathological aspects of the abuser.
Donald G. Dutton discusses this emotionally charged subject using an objective, academic approach. The author clearly lays a foundation for understanding the perplexing issues that surround the situation of wife assault. It would make an excellent text for the student in criminal justice, social work, psychology, and related fields. Every professional who works with men and women who are in abusive relationships and anyone who wants a clearer understanding of this perplexing and troubling phenomenon in our society, will benefit by reading this book.
Preface
Acknowledgments
1 History and Incidence of Wife Assault
2 Explanations for Wife Assault: Psychiatry, Sociobiology, and Sociology
3 The Social Psychology of the Wife Assaulter: The Theory
4 The Social Psychology of the Wife Assaulter: The Research Studies
5 The Abusive Personality
6 Effects on the Victim
7 Traumatic Bonding
8 The Criminal Justice Response to Wife Assault
9 The Treatment of Wife Assault
10 The Future
Notes
References
Index
