Kate Fitz-Gibbon is Professor of Social Sciences at Monash University, Australia. Sandra Walklate is Professor and Eleanor Rathbone Chair of Sociology at the University of Liverpool, UK.
The Authors take as their mission to explore and write the post 1983 version of Elizabeth Wilson’s book of the same name. Fitz-Gibbon’s and Walklate’s book challenges many of the policies and practices that have become standard response to violence against women and children, in Australia and internationally, over the past 40 years. The criminalisation of violence particularly is a major focus. Much was promised from this policy change, but the authors argue it has not delivered the hoped for outcomes. The criminalisation response if supported by an integrated policy response. the authors posit, has a much better chance of success. The book is well researched, very readable and groundbreaking, it challenges the validity of current thinking – just what we need. Congratulations to the authors! Professor Christine Nixon AO. APM. Victoria Police, Chief Commissioner 2001-2009.