Encyclopedia of Domestic Violence and Abuse

Finley (sociology & criminology, Barry Univ.; coauthor, Beyond Burning Bras: Feminist Activism for Everyone) gathers here an excellent collection of entries on the major topics related to domestic violence and abuse. The introduction provides an extensive overview of the issues and causes of the problems, and a time line from 753 BCE to the present highlights major laws and events pertaining to women's legal rights. Entries include types of abuse, sociological and psychological theories about it, government agencies and programs, nongovernment organizations (NGOs), cultural influences on abuse, and socioeconomic factors. The issue of domestic abuse and violence is not limited to one country or set of countries, nor is it limited by race, ethnicity or income, and the articles point to this complexity. Further-reading suggestions at the end of each entry include articles from websites such as those of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, WomensLaw.org, the United Nations, and various universities. There is an appendix of primary documents at the end of the second volume along with a list of state, national, and international organizations plus a glossary and recommended resources.