ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book examines domestic violence from a global perspective. It explores a variety of definitions involved in the study of domestic/intimate partner violence. The book focuses on the historical references to the phenomena of domestic and intimate partner violence, long-established feature in both ancient and modern societies where male patriarchy helped to form and sustain its practice. It provides a basic overview of theoretical explanations for domestic/intimate partner violence. The book explains the importance of childhood victimization as both correlate and predictor of adult victimization and perpetration of domestic violence. It discusses the extent, prevalence and dynamics of intimate partner violence within the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and queer community. The book also focuses on the doors of the courthouse to reveal how it handles cases involving family/domestic/intimate partner violence. It promotes a public health model to respond, treat, and prevent domestic/intimate partner violence.
