ABSTRACT
Feminism and feminist activists have made their mark when it comes to domestic violence. It is largely through feminist efforts that men’s violence to women has become visible and that domestic violence is now seen as a serious social problem.1 Since the days of the 1970s, when the Chiswick women’s refuge was established, the issue has moved steadily up the legislative and political agendas; in the United Kingdom, women’s organisations have played an important role in achieving this.2 Changes have been introduced into the law with a view to increasing protection for victims and strengthening the criminal justice response to perpetrators. And, while it is true that changes to the law3 do not necessarily lead to changes in material circumstances, it appears that, in this area, change has been more than merely cosmetic and that it extends beyond the law. Government policies have been formulated, which are directed at meeting the needs of victims, and services appear to be making some attempt to implement these policies.
