The Violences of Men

The problem of men's violence to known women - principally their wives, partners and girlfriends - is becoming more widely recognized. This text addresses the issue within the broad context of men's use of power and violence in society. The author considers the scale and character of men's violence against women, and critically reviews the theoretical frameworks that are used to explain it. From the perspective of "critical studies on men", he discusses issues, challenges and possible research methods for those studying and researching violence, and particularly men's violence to known women. He then draws on extensive research to analyze the various ways in which men describe, deny, justify and excuse their violence, and considers the complex interaction between committing a violent act and talking about violence. The author also examines agencies' responses to men's violence, ranging from avoidance to policy and practice innovations and possibilities, before discussing ways that some men may move away from violence. The final chapter sets out key issues for theory, politics, policy and practice.