Making justice work - Effective legal interventions for domestic violence

In contrast to a tradition of commentary which has been negative about the law's potential to benefit women who experience men's violence, this paper reports more positive findings about women and men's experiences of legal intervention for domestic violence. The author argues for examination of: the perspectives of both women (as survivors) and men (as perpetrators); the process as well as the outcome of legal intervention; the ways in which women can and do express 'agency'. Empirical data from a study of 122 men and 134 women are used to demonstrate that women's safety and quality of life can be improved after prosecution and conviction of their abuser. Key aspects of successful legal intervention are highlighted and considered.