Domestic violence is a notoriously sensitive area of social work practice and social workers have been scapegoated by the media for their handling of certain cases. Despite the lack of skill and confidence, there is no basic text on domestic violence which specifically addresses the needs of social workers. Rethinking Domestic Violence will help social workers to understand the seriousness of domestic violence and to rethink their typical responses. Based on the UK legal system, it outlines and clarifies the available legal measures, housing and benefit rights for women, existing community based resources, and pays considerable attention to the role of the social worker in relation to domestic violence. This book will be invaluable reading for all social work pracitioners, teachers and students; undergraduates in social policy and women's studies.