Spiral of Entrapment: Abused Women in Conflict with the Law

Sponsored by the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation and endorsed by the Human Rights Foundation, this manual examines various aspects of domestic violence and its particular prevalence in South Africa. The psychology of abuse, including reasons women remain in abusive relationships, is discussed, as well as the efficacy of government-sponsored programs intended to ameliorate abusive situations. Legal advice such as pre-trial and post-conviction options for abused women who killed their batterers, the types of experts used in testimony, and the use of the insanity defense is provided, making this an important resource for centers specializing in domestic violence.