Contents: 1. Introduction -- Pt. I. Rethinking service user movements in relation to women survivors of violence -- 2. Women survivors of domestic violence as service users: the silenced group -- 3. The obstacles to empowerment: what kind of power for women? -- Pt. 2. Women's views and voices in domestic violence services -- 4. What abused women think of the service they receive -- 5. How much do agencies listen to domestic violence survivors? -- Pt. 3. How to engage in survivor participation and consultation -- 6. How to do it: empowerment and stigma -- 7. How to do it: policies, sensitivities and resources to make participation effective -- 8. Practical ways forward and innovation, including domestic violence survivors' forums -- 9. Further innovatory practice: Women's Aid, women's advocacy organisations and campaigns -- 10. Other methods of survivor participation and getting agencies to take action -- 11. Conclusion.

1. Introduction Pt. I. Rethinking service user movements in relation to women survivors of violence 2. Women survivors of domestic violence as service users: the silenced group 3. The obstacles to empowerment: what kind of power for women?

Based on a study carried out as part of the Economic and Social Research Council's Violence Research Programme. Offers an analysis of the issues involved in developing service user participation within the domestic violence field.