| Popis: |
As we enter the 21st Century, an ever-growing body of research continues to demonstrate an inordinate level of violence among intimate partners throughout American society. Estimates of intimate partner violence involving women as victims indicate that one in four were victimized during their lifetime (Tjaden and Thoennes, 2000). While the prevalence of women who are victimized by violence is no longer a surprise to researchers, policymakers and activists, it is important to note that prior to the 1970’s, little research on spousal and intimate partner violence existed. Most research on family violence before that time was concerned with child abuse. Historically, the widespread prevalence of gender inequality meant that the culturalconstruction of intimate partner violence was defined in male terms and viewed largely as a private matter to be dealt with outside of law enforcement sanctions. |
