Meyer-Emerick, Nancy
Praeger Publishers, 2001

In this study, Dr. Meyer-Emerick examines beliefs regarding various types of abuse suffered by women through the eyes of three different theorists: Michel Foucault, Jurgen Habermas, and Catharine MacKinnon. She compares their competing theories of problem definition, revealing the complexities of violent actions against women. She then determines whether these causes of violence were addressed in the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). She concludes by addressing the issues that were ignored in the VAWA and the challenges facing policy-makers, practitioners, and citizens who wish to end violence against women.