Domestic Violence and Abuse

by Laura L Finley

Published 7 January 2020

A comprehensive and timely resource for students, activists, educators, and advocates, Domestic Violence and Abuse: A Reference Handbook provides a rich and scholarly assessment of this important social issue while also including stories and profiles for a more personal understanding.

Domestic Violence and Abuse: A Reference Handbook provides a thorough review of the most recent research about intimate partner violence. Additionally, a historical review provides readers with a sense of how views on domestic violence have changed over time and how different policies and practices have and have not been successful.

Appropriate for readers at the high school level and above, the volume focuses on the scope, extent, and characteristics of domestic violence and offers several unique elements, including profiles of significant individuals, personal stories from advocates, activists and survivors, and a review of controversial issues. The volume also includes a chronology of key events, relevant data and documents, primary source data, and recommended resources.


  • Compiles the most recent data about victims and offenders, thereby correcting many misconceptions about domestic violence
  • Offers a timeline of critical events for readers to understand the history of the movement
  • Includes primary source documents and personal stories, which help make the book beneficial to all readers
  • Addresses the most common controversies in the field, allowing readers to support more informed positions

School Violence

by Laura L Finley

Published 26 September 2014

A timely investigation of the history, legislation, and perpetrators of school violence, this guide debunks the myths and misconceptions about this terrible problem of national concern.

With school violence on the rise, schools have implemented security safeguards like never before in the form of metal detectors, video cameras, and armed guards. School communities have mixed opinions regarding these drastic prevention measures-many welcome the protection, while some condemn the reminders of violence these tactics evoke. This comprehensive text introduces the history of school violence in the United States, providing an overview of proposed causes-from violent video games, to inadequate parental involvement, to bullying by classmates-and detailing the pros and cons of various deterrents.

Experienced criminologist Laura Finley incorporates personal reflections, primary source data, and profiles of key figures to address the painful reality of school shootings and other violent acts. The text expounds upon the characteristics of victims, individuals who are most likely to carry out violence, and common types of assaults. Chapters include a discussion on current legislation; stories of infamous perpetrators; activists who are working to make schools safer; and school, community, and societal risk factors.


  • Addresses significant milestones in legislation and policies that have been enacted to respond to and prevent school violence
  • Contains an informative timeline of key events in the history of school violence and prevention
  • Highlights key court cases as well as data related to measuring violence
  • Provides a compilation of best practices for the prevention of school violence
  • Features perspectives from diverse viewpoints, including administrators, students, and academics