NCJ Number
18861
Editor(s)
A FORBES
Date Published
1974
Length
143 pages
Annotation
ANALYSIS OF THE PLIGHT OF BATTERED WIVES AND THEIR CHILDREN, AND A DESCRIPTION OF THE REFUGE AND SUPPORTIVE SERVICES PROVIDED TO THEM BY 'WOMEN'S AID,' A PRIVATELY RUN SOCIAL SERVICE AGENCY FOUNDED IN 1971.
Abstract
THE AUTHOR, ONE OF THE FOUNDERS AND LEADERS OF THE WOMEN'S AID MOVEMENT IN GREAT BRITAIN, DRAWS HER MATERIAL PRIMARILY FROM CASE HISTORIES AND LETTERS TO HER FROM BATTERED WIVES. SHE POINTS OUT INADEQUACIES OF THE LEGAL INTERVENTION PROCESS FOR BATTERED WOMEN AND DESCRIBES THE FAILURE OF SUCH PARTIES AS THE POLICE, HOSPITALS AND DOCTORS, SOCIAL SECURITY, PROBATION, MARRIAGE GUIDANCE, AND HEALTH VISITORS TO EFFECTIVELY PROVIDE THEM WITH AID, REFUGE OR TREATMENT. SHE ALSO EXPLAINS IN SOME UNPLEASANT DETAIL THE HORRIBLY ADVERSE EFFECTS OF WIFEBATTERING ON CHILDREN OF BATTERED WOMEN. A FINAL CHAPTER LOOKS AT THE FUTURE OF WOMEN'S AID AND THE POSSIBLE RECTIFICATION OF THIS PROBLEM.