Claire M. Renzetti

This revised and updated second edition traces the growth of feminist criminology from the 1970s to the present, examining the diversity of feminist criminologies that have developed, the ways they have responded to and built on one another, and the future directions for research and activism to which they point us. Feminist criminology grew out of the Women’s Movement of the 1970s, in response to the male, heteronormative dominance of mainstream criminology—which meant that not only were women largely excluded from carrying out criminological research but they were also rarely considered as subjects of that research. Other groups were also marginalized by the mainstream, either discussed with stereotypical framing or overlooked completely. While showing how feminist perspectives have made a significant impact on the discipline, the academy, and the criminal legal system, this book also highlights the limits of this influence. In doing so, it explores answers to key questions, such as how much feminist criminology has transformed research and knowledge production, education, and practice, and how feminist criminologists can continue to shape the future of the discipline. Feminist Criminology will be of great value to undergraduate and graduate students as well as faculty, researchers, and practitioners.

This revised and updated second edition traces the growth of feminist criminology from the 1970s to the present, examining the diversity of feminist criminologies that have developed, the ways they have responded to and built on one another, and the future directions for research and activism to which they point us. Feminist criminology grew out of the Women’s Movement of the 1970s, in response to the male, heteronormative dominance of mainstream criminology—which meant that not only were women largely excluded from carrying out criminological research but they were also rarely considered as subjects of that research. Other groups were also marginalized by the mainstream, either discussed with stereotypical framing or overlooked completely. While showing how feminist perspectives have made a significant impact on the discipline, the academy, and the criminal legal system, this book also highlights the limits of this influence. In doing so, it explores answers to key questions, such as how much feminist criminology has transformed research and knowledge production, education, and practice, and how feminist criminologists can continue to shape the future of the discipline. Feminist Criminology will be of great value to undergraduate and graduate students as well as faculty, researchers, and practitioners.

Featuring contributed chapters written by experts in the discipline, Gendered Violence in Families: New Directions employs a feminist intersectional lens to investigate experiences of family violence. The text sheds light on various forms of family violence, always with consideration of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, class, and other critical dimensions of identity. The book features a comprehensive coverage of topics ranging from the prevalence and effects of intimate partner violence to child maltreatment to the experiences of marginalized families dealing with trauma. With an emphasis on various methods and measures in gendered violence research, it also presents ethical considerations and interventions to reduce family abuse. The book provides valuable insights into systemic approaches, tackling key issues while offering recommendations for policy and future research direction. Gendered Violence in Families is part of the Cognella Series on Family and Gender-Based Violence, an interdisciplinary collection of textbooks featuring cross-cultural perspectives, cutting-edge strategies and interventions, and timely research on family and gender-based violence.

Violence in Gay and Lesbian Domestic Partnerships provides a comprehensive analysis of same-sex domestic violence, addressing the major theoretical and treatment issues for both its victims and perpetrators. Its contents raise awareness among social service providers, of the problem of same-sex domestic violence and emphasize the need for special services for both victims and perpetrators. The publication of Violence in Gay and Lesbian Domestic Partnerships signifies the growing official recognition of domestic violence within lesbian and gay relationships as a social problem worthy of serious attention and intervention. Editors Renzetti and Miley begin by providing readers with an overview of the problem of same-sex domestic violence and the responses of the domestic violence movement and other social service providers. Chapters then move to discussions of the current scarcity of services available to lesbian and gay victims and perpetrators of domestic violence and then evaluate specific treatment modalities for these client groups. Significantly, the special needs of lesbians and gays of color and those with HIV/AIDS are discussed. Chapters contain:an historical overview of the study of same-sex domestic violence a review and evaluation of theoretical explanations of same-sex domestic violence an analysis of major problems in service provisions to gay and lesbian victims of domestic violence suggestions for and evaluations of specific treatment modalities an analysis of how racism intersects with homophobia to exacerbate the consequences of domestic violence an analysis of the role of HIV/AIDS in same-sex domestic violenceContributors to this volume were actively addressing the problem of same-sex domestic violence before it was officially “discovered.” Some were motivated by their experiences as victims and survivors of same-sex domestic violence, others by their concern about domestic violence in general. As a compilation of the writings of academics, clinicians, advocates, and activists, Violence in Gay and Lesbian Domestic Partnerships bridges disciplinary and occupational boundaries and promotes a dialogue across fields and specialties. Violence in Gay and Lesbian Domestic Partnerships is unique in that it is the only book available which comprehensively addresses the social service needs of gay and lesbian domestic violence victims and perpetrators. Specific suggestions are offered for improving service providers’ responses to gay and lesbian victims of domestic violence. Social workers, counselors, practitioners and clinicians will find it especially useful, given that it addresses the effectiveness of particular treatment modalities for lesbian and gay victims and perpetrators.

Violence in Gay and Lesbian Domestic Partnerships provides a comprehensive analysis of same-sex domestic violence, addressing the major theoretical and treatment issues for both its victims and perpetrators. Its contents raise awareness among social service providers, of the problem of same-sex domestic violence and emphasize the need for special services for both victims and perpetrators. The publication of Violence in Gay and Lesbian Domestic Partnerships signifies the growing official recognition of domestic violence within lesbian and gay relationships as a social problem worthy of serious attention and intervention. Editors Renzetti and Miley begin by providing readers with an overview of the problem of same-sex domestic violence and the responses of the domestic violence movement and other social service providers. Chapters then move to discussions of the current scarcity of services available to lesbian and gay victims and perpetrators of domestic violence and then evaluate specific treatment modalities for these client groups. Significantly, the special needs of lesbians and gays of color and those with HIV/AIDS are discussed. Chapters contain:an historical overview of the study of same-sex domestic violence a review and evaluation of theoretical explanations of same-sex domestic violence an analysis of major problems in service provisions to gay and lesbian victims of domestic violence suggestions for and evaluations of specific treatment modalities an analysis of how racism intersects with homophobia to exacerbate the consequences of domestic violence an analysis of the role of HIV/AIDS in same-sex domestic violenceContributors to this volume were actively addressing the problem of same-sex domestic violence before it was officially “discovered.” Some were motivated by their experiences as victims and survivors of same-sex domestic violence, others by their concern about domestic violence in general. As a compilation of the writings of academics, clinicians, advocates, and activists, Violence in Gay and Lesbian Domestic Partnerships bridges disciplinary and occupational boundaries and promotes a dialogue across fields and specialties. Violence in Gay and Lesbian Domestic Partnerships is unique in that it is the only book available which comprehensively addresses the social service needs of gay and lesbian domestic violence victims and perpetrators. Specific suggestions are offered for improving service providers’ responses to gay and lesbian victims of domestic violence. Social workers, counselors, practitioners and clinicians will find it especially useful, given that it addresses the effectiveness of particular treatment modalities for lesbian and gay victims and perpetrators.

Based on a nationwide study of violence in lesbian relationships, this comprehensive, accessible volume derives from a common theme expressed by the subjects: the sense of having been betrayed, first by their lovers, and subsequently by a lesbian community which tends to deny the problem when victims seek help. Claire M. Renzetti skillfully addresses several central issues: consequences for victims, batterers and the community as a whole, and what we can learn about domestic violence in general by studying violence in lesbian relationships. The research offers a fresh look at domestic violence by examining the phenomenon of women as perpetrators of intimate violence against women, at the same time making a clear distinction between battering and self-defense. Students and professionals in victimology, gender studies, sociology, psychology, criminology, social work, clinical psychology, counseling, and family studies will not want to miss this brilliant work. "Violent Betrayal is an important contribution to domestic violence research and to the study of lesbian relationships. The study's findings are immediately helpful to clinicians working with those battered in lesbian relationships and provides a deeper understanding of lesbian relationship dynamics. . . . Violent Betrayal dispels common myths about lesbian relationships that, sadly, both laypersons and those in the helping professions, possess." --Family Violence & Sexual Assault Bulletin "Claire Renzetti's study represents a substantial contribution to understanding this underresearched population. Her recommendations for how services can be improved are essential reading for all service providers." --Readings: A Journal of Reviews and Commentary in Mental Health "A compendium of research on lesbian battering, [Violent Betrayal] contains significant and surprising information about this ignored problem." --Coalition Commentary "One of the first--if not the first--to provide empirical data about a neglected subsample of the battering population, namely battered lesbians. . . . Both qualitative and quantitative analyses of the data are used and are successfully integrated with the literature reviews and other information provided. This constitutes a unique contribution to the field of domestic violence research. It is well-written, and provides readable tables based on the data and illustrative quotes from interviews." --Susan L. Miller, Northern Illinois University "This is an important resource book for women who work with abused women and with lesbians. . . . This is a strong study--one of the first 'pure' sociological studies on lesbian battering. It begins to open the door on this painful issue that many in our community would like to avoid." --Lambda Book Report "A valuable tool for those in the field of family violence. . . . Claire Renzetti outlines the responses that would help victims of lesbian partner abuse, including specific outreach by family violence programs and ongoing education for their staff and education for medical, police, and other emergency workers. . . . Violent Betrayal is long-awaited and necessary information for those confronting this violence, containing both useful profiles of battering situations and pointers toward responses and further study." --Gay People's Chronicle "This book will be useful for those doing research on battering and other forms of violence against women, for therapists, and for use in courses on gender, on violence, and on links among theory, research, and practice. It provides rich reviews of relevant research, carefully reveals unexpected assumptions about battering, and provides directories of organizations that provide help. Moreover, Renzetti adds immensely to our knowledge by doing research in a neglected are. She contends that we must 'end the silence'; the book is a valuable sociological contribution to that goal." --Symposium "Renzetti's analysis is in the best traditions of both feminist research and mainstream social science. Thus, this research is inspired , and informed throughout, by a practical desire to do something about the problem of lesbian battering--there are 10 pages of resource listings . . . and an impressive model for 'providing help to battered lesbians.' . . . Renzetti's research goes a long way toward dispelling much of the mythology. In addition, it provides a foundation for feminist theorists interested in getting at the root of violence in Western/American societies." --British Journal of Social Work "Renzetti carefully negotiates the terrain between simply generalizing from heterosexual battery to lesbian battery, arguing that lesbian battery is unique. . . . Her research also uncovers a variety of myths and assumptions within the lesbian community that may prevent friends and therapists from responding to the woman as a battered woman. This book will be useful for those doing research on battering and other forms of violence against women, for therapists, and for use in courses on gender, on violence, and on links among theory, research, and practice. . . . Provides rich reviews of relevant research. . . . Reveals unexamined assumptions about battering. . . . Provides directories of organizations that provide help. . . . Moreover, Renzetti adds immensely to our knowledge by doing research in a neglected area. . . . A valuable sociological contribution." --Contemporary Sociology "Highly recommended." --Family Violence & Sexual Assault Bulletin Book Club

Based on a nationwide study of violence in lesbian relationships, this comprehensive, accessible volume derives from a common theme expressed by the subjects: the sense of having been betrayed, first by their lovers, and subsequently by a lesbian community which tends to deny the problem when victims seek help. Claire M. Renzetti skillfully addresses several central issues: consequences for victims, batterers and the community as a whole, and what we can learn about domestic violence in general by studying violence in lesbian relationships. The research offers a fresh look at domestic violence by examining the phenomenon of women as perpetrators of intimate violence against women, at the same time making a clear distinction between battering and self-defense. Students and professionals in victimology, gender studies, sociology, psychology, criminology, social work, clinical psychology, counseling, and family studies will not want to miss this brilliant work. "Violent Betrayal is an important contribution to domestic violence research and to the study of lesbian relationships. The study's findings are immediately helpful to clinicians working with those battered in lesbian relationships and provides a deeper understanding of lesbian relationship dynamics. . . . Violent Betrayal dispels common myths about lesbian relationships that, sadly, both laypersons and those in the helping professions, possess." --Family Violence & Sexual Assault Bulletin "Claire Renzetti's study represents a substantial contribution to understanding this underresearched population. Her recommendations for how services can be improved are essential reading for all service providers." --Readings: A Journal of Reviews and Commentary in Mental Health "A compendium of research on lesbian battering, [Violent Betrayal] contains significant and surprising information about this ignored problem." --Coalition Commentary "One of the first--if not the first--to provide empirical data about a neglected subsample of the battering population, namely battered lesbians. . . . Both qualitative and quantitative analyses of the data are used and are successfully integrated with the literature reviews and other information provided. This constitutes a unique contribution to the field of domestic violence research. It is well-written, and provides readable tables based on the data and illustrative quotes from interviews." --Susan L. Miller, Northern Illinois University "This is an important resource book for women who work with abused women and with lesbians. . . . This is a strong study--one of the first 'pure' sociological studies on lesbian battering. It begins to open the door on this painful issue that many in our community would like to avoid." --Lambda Book Report "A valuable tool for those in the field of family violence. . . . Claire Renzetti outlines the responses that would help victims of lesbian partner abuse, including specific outreach by family violence programs and ongoing education for their staff and education for medical, police, and other emergency workers. . . . Violent Betrayal is long-awaited and necessary information for those confronting this violence, containing both useful profiles of battering situations and pointers toward responses and further study." --Gay People's Chronicle "This book will be useful for those doing research on battering and other forms of violence against women, for therapists, and for use in courses on gender, on violence, and on links among theory, research, and practice. It provides rich reviews of relevant research, carefully reveals unexpected assumptions about battering, and provides directories of organizations that provide help. Moreover, Renzetti adds immensely to our knowledge by doing research in a neglected are. She contends that we must 'end the silence'; the book is a valuable sociological contribution to that goal." --Symposium "Renzetti's analysis is in the best traditions of both feminist research and mainstream social science. Thus, this research is inspired , and informed throughout, by a practical desire to do something about the problem of lesbian battering--there are 10 pages of resource listings . . . and an impressive model for 'providing help to battered lesbians.' . . . Renzetti's research goes a long way toward dispelling much of the mythology. In addition, it provides a foundation for feminist theorists interested in getting at the root of violence in Western/American societies." --British Journal of Social Work "Renzetti carefully negotiates the terrain between simply generalizing from heterosexual battery to lesbian battery, arguing that lesbian battery is unique. . . . Her research also uncovers a variety of myths and assumptions within the lesbian community that may prevent friends and therapists from responding to the woman as a battered woman. This book will be useful for those doing research on battering and other forms of violence against women, for therapists, and for use in courses on gender, on violence, and on links among theory, research, and practice. . . . Provides rich reviews of relevant research. . . . Reveals unexamined assumptions about battering. . . . Provides directories of organizations that provide help. . . . Moreover, Renzetti adds immensely to our knowledge by doing research in a neglected area. . . . A valuable sociological contribution." --Contemporary Sociology "Highly recommended." --Family Violence & Sexual Assault Bulletin Book Club