Domestic Violence Advocacy: Complex Lives/Difficult Choices

by Jill M. Davies, Eleanor J. Lyon

Revision of the author's Safety planning with battered women: complex lives/difficult choices, published in 1998.

Genres: Feminism, Nonfiction

368 pages, Paperback

First published September 17, 2013

Reviews

[Quin Rich · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent, feminist introduction to domestic violence advocacy for those new to the field.

I especially appreciated the retention of a feminist/gendered lens for understanding DV even while acknowledging the diversity of survivors. Too often, a feminist analysis of DV is wrong not dismissed as “narrow” or “outdated.” Women remain the vast majority of DV survivors, and men the perpetrators. Variations from this core model do not negate a feminist analysis.

As someone new to the field, this was an excellent introduction to the concrete how-to of advocacy that centers survivors’ needs and perspectives. I highly recommend this book for anyone new to the field of gender-based violence, whether you are serving DV survivors specifically or survivors of other forms of GBV like trafficking or rape.

I am ambivalent on the text’s use of “victim” as opposed to “survivor.” There is no justification given for the use of this term, which is generally considered outdated. It’s not the worst thing in the world, but it needs more justification.

[Adria · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit dated in terms of terminology, gendered language, but a great primer for DV social work.

[Kim Schellin-Rog · Rating 2 out of 5]

Basic dv 101

[Baleigh Tolksdorf · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit repetitive, but overall a great resource as I prep to step back into the DV/SA advocacy field!

[Marina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very valid and legit content, but badly organized and extremely repetitive or fluffed up with extensive unnecessary introductions to EVERY section. I'd start 1/2 or even 2/3 through, because the last chapters just have more content. I appreciate the message, I just don't think it was delivered in a helpful, readable, usable manner, which is too bad.

[Lesley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good refresher info here, always good to remember the dynamics of DV!