Violent Betrayal: Partner Abuse in Lesbian Relationships »

Claire Renzetti is Professor of the Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work, University of Dayton. A nationally recognized expert in the field, she has authored several books (including the best-selling Women, Men, and Society and Violent Betrayal, the only national study ever on same-sex domestic violence) as well as numerous articles and manuals.

Based on a study of violence in lesbian relationships, this challenging book derives from a common theme expressed by the subjects - the sense of having been betrayed, first by their lovers, and subsequently by a lesbian community which tends to deny the problem when victims seek help. Renzetti skillfully addresses several central issues: consequences for victims, batterers and the community as a whole; and, what we can learn about domestic violence in general by studying violence in lesbian relationships. The research offers a fresh look at domestic violence by examining the phenomenon of women as perpetrators of intimate violence against women, at the same time making a clear distinction between battering and self defence.

Booknews

Based on a nationwide study of violence in lesbian relationships, this comprehensive account derives from a common theme expressed by the subjects: the sense of having been betrayed, first by their lovers, and subsequently by a lesbian community which tends to deny the problem when victims seek help. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)