First published in 1985, this is the first published study of violence in the family to be aimed directly at people whose professions bring them into contact with domestic abuse victims, as well as those training for those professions. It documents the problems faced by women with violent husbands and discusses how the needs of these women and of their children can best be met.

The first part of the book reports the results of original research carried out by the editor. The second part of the book is concerned with the response of the law, the police, social services, housing...