ABSTRACT
History shows that the causes and even the extent of wife beating have changed over time. But it also indicates that violence against wives is a deeply rooted part of our national history.
The images of the civil rights movement arevividly etched in the minds of Americanswho witnessed the violence of white Americans upon black American citizens. The televised coverage of police dogs attacking peaceful protestors, tearing their clothing and their fl esh; the rush of water from fi re hoses knocking them to the ground; and the stinging clouds of tear gas blinding American citizens shocked people across the nation. Racial justice and civil rights could no longer be considered a regional issue.
