Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book offers extensive reviews and empirical research that not only challenge traditional models but provide a compelling evidence-base that supports a more inclusive and evidence-informed approach. It focuses on how the evidence-base could, or indeed should, work in practice. The book explores implementing evidence-based practice, but also the obstacles that have been experienced in doing so. It considers attitudes towards intimate partner violence (IPV) victims and perpetrators. The book outlines adolescent dating violence with a strong theme around bidirectional IPV. It discusses the literature pertaining to children’s experiences of living in a domestic violence context. The book provides an in-depth exploration of male victims’ experiences of female-perpetrated IPV with a specific focus on their contact with the Criminal Justice System.