Victims’ Experiences of The Criminal Justice Response to Domestic Abuse: Beyond GlassWalls

Victims’ Experiences of The Criminal Justice Response to Domestic Abuse: Beyond GlassWalls provides a unique perspective on how victims of domestic abuse experience the justice process. It tells two stories: first, a socio-legal narrative of the public policy, legislative, academic and social responses across Scotland, England and Wales; and second, the experience of female victim-survivors who report domestic abuse to the police. The apparent sweep of progress on the public stage is juxtaposed with the private struggle of individuals who continue to face barriers to justice.

In-depth interviews with women who have experienced domestic abuse and those who support them identify a number of challenges. Moving beyond the arrest, procedural hearings and trial Forbes considers the emotional implications of waiting at home, travelling to court, and the unmet support needs and unanswered questions beyond the so-called conclusions of their case. Beautifully illustrated, this accessible overview uses victim narrative to provide explicit, practical advice for busy practitioners and students alike.