Abetting Batterers

June 15, 2016

Coauthors Andrew Klein, an expert on the study of domestic violence, and Jessica Klein, a rape crisis counselor and victim advocate, provide a meticulous study of the domestic violence epidemic in America. The premise is that the safety of victims requires a more engaged and competent criminal justice system. Rich with statistics, state court cases, and a historical analysis of legislation, their thorough investigation argues that the police, prosecutors, and courts are not doing enough to protect victims. To support this claim, they assert that while victims are reaching out more than ever, they are met with inadequate services. The authors explain that although some states have made legislative progress, others are simply backtracking and thus encouraging abusers to remain destructive. Even with legislative progress, there is still a lack of commitment and competence by criminal justice practitioners to implement these statutes. The takeaway is that making perpetrators accountable for their actions is what works. The authors show how this is being done and offer recommendations as to how it can be put into practice elsewhere. VERDICT A solid choice for law students and researchers in the social sciences seeking a national evaluation of legislation on domestic violence issues and strategies for change.--Nathalie Reid, Univ. of California, Los Angeles

Copyright 2016 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.