Citation

Welsh K. Howard J. Crim. Just. 2008; 47(2): 170-188.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, Howard League for Penal Reform, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/j.1468-2311.2007.00510.x

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

One of the most striking features of government policy on domestic violence in the last decade has been the promotion of a partnership approach to the problem and, in particular, of partnership initiatives as the means to deliver the approach. Drawing on doctoral research, I suggest that these initiatives are largely attended by voluntary sector organisations and that, although some State agencies show a real commitment to attending, attendance from many State agencies is disappointing at best and is often mediated through the attendance of those with an interest in, and commitment to, the issue. I reflect on what this suggests about who, exactly, carries the burden of partnership responses to domestic violence and, moreover, what this suggests about the effectiveness and efficacy of such responses and their entitlement to such significance in government policy around the problem.