Responding to Intimate Violence Against Women: The Role of Informal Networks

Advances in Personal Relationships

by Renate Klein

Family members, friends, coworkers, and neighbors are often the first to know that a woman has been abused by an intimate male partner. What is the proper course of action for those with knowledge of abuse? Using a wide range of empirical data from international sources, Renate Klein documents informal third parties as the first port of call, sources of support and interference, and gatekeepers to formal services. Family and social network members disrupt ongoing assaults, respond to disclosures of abuse, and provide solace and practical help. These networks do not always side with victims, however, and may either sympathize with or actively support perpetrators. Klein illuminates the complexities of these contingent situations. Her analysis highlights the potential of informal third parties for effective intervention, demonstrating their significant role in promoting societies free from rape and domestic violence.

168 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 17, 2012

About the author

Renate Klein was born in Zurich, Switzerland and has degrees from universities of Zurich, London and the University of California (Berkeley). She is known internationally for her work on reproductive technologies and information technologies. She has spoken to parliamentary committees and on TV, radio and print media about ethical issues in reproductive medicines. Her books include the international bestseller Test Tube Women (1984, co-editor). Her other books include: Theories of Women's Studies (1983, co-editor with Gloria Bowles); Man Made Women (1986, co-author); The Exploitation of a Desire (1989, Deakin University Press); Infertility (1989); Radical Voices (1990, co-editor with Debbie Steinberg); Angels of Power (1991);
RU 486: Misconceptions, Myth and Morals (1991, co-author); Australia for Women: Travel and Culture (1994, co-editor with Susan Hawthorne). She is co-editor with Diane Bell of Radically Speaking: Feminism Reclaimed (1996) and with Susan Hawthorne of CyberFeminism (1999).

Renate Klein admits that the joys of dog companionship came to her after establishing herself as a writer and academic. With Jan Fook, she co-edited A Girl's Best Friend: The Meaning of Dogs in Women's Lives (2002), with Jan Fook and Susan Hawthorne Cat Tales: The Meaning of Cats in Women's Lives (2003) and HorseDreams: The Meaning of Horses in Women's Lives (2004).

She has been Associate Professor of Women's Studies at Deakin University, Melbourne. She says of herself that she still cares passionately about social justice for women, particularly in the area of reproductive and cyber technologies, but her dog, River, made her laugh, cry and experience pure joie de vivre.