Introduction

Abstract

This introductory chapter explains the emphasis of this book, which is about how women who have experienced intimate partner violence (IPV) interact with the legal system over time. It explains the importance of the law to many women across the world who experience IPV. The chapter identifies the legal systems that women interact with, including civil protection orders, family law, criminal law, child protection systems, and immigration law. In talking about their experience with law, women focus on their relationships with different justice actors on their legal journey, including child protection workers, police, lawyers, and judges. This focus explains the structure of the book. This chapter also considers the importance of women’s stories in informing law reform.