Reclaiming Self

Abuse of women by intimate partners is a significant problem in Canadian society. The critical issues facing abused women include the resources, such as shelters, and support groups available to assist them in being safe. This book considers the many aspects of supporting and providing safety for women who experience abuse.The authors focus on the impact of government policies, such as the criminal justice response and child protection services, on a woman’s ability to safely leave an abusive relationship. The experiences of women who have used these safety resources are shared in this book. A further chapter discusses the issues raised by the experiences of women abused by lesbian partners.Future challenges faced by abused women and the services and policies designed to protect them, concludes the book. Each chapter presents the results of recent Canadian research and documents the voices of women who share their experiences of having been abused by an intimate partner.