Abstract

PIP: Approaches to understanding and potentially intervening in the variations of the risk of lethal and sublethal violence against women are suggested. Batterers vary in their ability to desist techniques of control, patterns of dangerousness, and lethality. Such variations are important to explore because of the extent it offers in maximizing the options for women seeking respite, escape and refuge from such violence. The indisputable evidence that some men abuse and batter when they court women warns of the links between heterosexual intimacy and men's abuse. Alvi and Selvee proved that the seriousness of such abuse and violence rises as the relationship advances from casual to serious dating to cohabitation. Termination of the relationship does not guarantee women's safety; separation, rather than divorce per se, is the critical risk factor in lethal violence. Although some women who leave violent men may acutely feel the threat of lethal violence, its actuality is not predictable, an area being explored by Ellis and DeKeseredy. Knowledge about men's lethality to intimate partners is crucial for improving the services and advocacy for women battered by men. When analyzing mechanisms to support women challenging domestic violence and aid in the reduction of separation femicide Ellis and DeKeseredy propose the enhancement of interventions that increase the confidence of the woman and symbolize our opposition to her abuse. Finally, provision of legal advocacy, facilitative divorce legislation, and assistance for battered women lying on the understanding of all public service personnel who work with intimate violence.