Women’s History Month provides us with the opportunity to consider the many aspects of women’s lives today. #MeToo and #TimesUp are just some of the many signs of our society’s growing recognition that gender-based violence occurs in our homes, in our prisons, and in our communities.
Below we share titles that challenge us to look at gender-based violence, consider strategies to respond and prevent it, and ultimately help women forge a path that moves them forward. #WomensHistoryMonth
A Hard Look at Domestic Violence
Decriminalizing Domestic Violence: A Balanced Policy Approach to Intimate Partner Violence by Leigh Goodmark
“A profound contribution to legal scholarship, the public policy debates, and, perhaps most importantly, the activist anti-violence community looking for social justice solutions.” —Beth E. Richie, author of Arrested Justice
Read Leigh’s thoughts on rethinking our response to violent crime.
Abusive Endings: Separation and Divorce Violence against Women by Walter S. DeKeseredy, Molly Dragiewicz, Martin D. Schwartz
“A powerful resource for researchers, practitioners, policy makers, and all humans, inspiring us to challenge and alter our culture’s response to men’s violence against women.”—Criminal Justice Studies
Read more for the authors on what happens when leaving is not enough, on image-based sexual abuse, and on what comes after #MeToo.
LGBTQ Intimate Partner Violence: Lessons for Policy, Practice, and Research by Adam Messinger
“Brings to light an often-overlooked problem and offers practical suggestions for increasing protections and improving service provision for LGBTQ people who are victimized by intimate partners… compelling.”—American Society of Criminology
Read Adam’s interview in Self on why people ask ‘who would believe me?’
Even in Prison
In Search of Safety: Confronting Inequality in Women’s Imprisonment by Barbara Owen, James Wells, and Joycelyn Pollock
“Theoretically and conceptually sophisticated… the authors provide a sound rationale for their proposed solutions, and they are likely to be applauded by many critical criminologists.”—Critical Criminology
Read more from the authors on why women in prison deserve a #metoo movement too.
Jailcare: Finding the Safety Net for Women behind Bars by Carolyn Sufrin
“Essential reading for anyone who cares about women, children, and justice.”—Piper Kerman, author of Orange Is the New Black: My Year in a Women’s Prison
Read more from Carolyn on what happens when women don’t count in prison.
Resilience and Moving Forward
Journeys: Resilience and Growth for Survivors of Intimate Partner Abuse by Susan L. Miller
“Reveals the courage, tenacity, resistance, and even the humor displayed by survivors of intimate abuse in their journeys toward safety and recovery. Shares the powerful transformations women undergo in the aftermath of abusive relationships.”—James Ptacek, editor of Restorative Justice and Violence Against Women
Read more from Susan on what resilience and growth looks like after adversity.
