ABSTRACT
Although Pearce did not discuss domestic violence in his seminal work, his critique of lawmakers and his concern that crime can occur by omission can be extended to address states’ failure to adequately respond to and prevent violence against women. This chapter provides an overview of the scope, extent and cost of domestic violence in the United States and the UK. It then outlines the human rights treaties that require states to take action on domestic violence and addresses how inadequate legislation, poor policing, difficult court procedures and weaknesses in the shelter model of service provision violate the spirit and tenets of these treaties. The chapter concludes with recommendations for improvement.
