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New Zealand women's experiences of lawyers in the context of domestic violence Pond, Rachel; Morgan, Mandy

By: Contributor(s): Material type: ArticleArticlePublication details: 2005ISBN:
  • 187737217X
ISSN:
  • 1124099
Subject(s): In: Women's Studies Journal 19(2) 2005 : 79-106Summary: This article presents a study that examined women's experiences of the legal system when they endeavour to protect themselves from domestic violence, and in particular, how they viewed the lawyer representing them. The study employed a narrative methodology. The author found that a common complaint of the women was that lawyers do not understand the complexity of domestic violence, namely how abuse affects many aspects of the victim's life. Many of the participants reported that their lawyer had poor communication skills, minimised or blamed them for the abuse, and often did not provide all the relevant information about their case. Those that indicated positive experiences reported that their lawyer did attempt to understand the situation, displayed empathy and listening skills, and seemed genuinely concerned about the safety and wellbeing of them and their children. The research findings suggest that negative experiences of the legal system in domestic violence cases often exacerbate an already stressful situation.
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Women's Studies Journal 19(2) 2005 : 79-106

This article presents a study that examined women's experiences of the legal system when they endeavour to protect themselves from domestic violence, and in particular, how they viewed the lawyer representing them. The study employed a narrative methodology. The author found that a common complaint of the women was that lawyers do not understand the complexity of domestic violence, namely how abuse affects many aspects of the victim's life. Many of the participants reported that their lawyer had poor communication skills, minimised or blamed them for the abuse, and often did not provide all the relevant information about their case. Those that indicated positive experiences reported that their lawyer did attempt to understand the situation, displayed empathy and listening skills, and seemed genuinely concerned about the safety and wellbeing of them and their children. The research findings suggest that negative experiences of the legal system in domestic violence cases often exacerbate an already stressful situation.