Violence in the home, particularly assault by a man on his wife or girlfriend, is an everyday phenomenon. What should the police and law courts do about it? In this book first published in 1989 the author draws upon her research into their actual responses to address the practical and theoretical issues for criminology and feminism.

Susan S. M. Edwards is Professor of Law at the University of Northumbria. Associate tenant Red Lion Chambers London. She is Emeritus Professor of Law, University of Buckingham where she served as Dean of Law for many years. She is a Barrister and expert witness and has written in the area of gender for over 45 years. She is the author of several books and over 150 peer reviewed articles, including Opinion pieces for The Guardian, The Times and The Age (Australia).

New Preface. Acknowledgements. Abbreviations. Introduction: Domestic Violence and the Law and Order Debate 1. The State and Policing: The Under-representation of Women's Interests 2. The Law and its Operation 3. The Police Role: Using Discretion? 4. The Extent of the Problem: How Widespread is Domestic Violence? 5. Women's Experience of Violence and Protection 6. Current Developments in the Policing and Prosecution of Violence against Women. References. Index.