Violence Against Women, Hate and Law

This book presents the first academic study offering a holistic assessment of violence against women (VAW) in Scotland, both online and offline. In particular, it focuses on VAW, hate crime, and online forms of violence against women (OVAW). It critically assesses the gaps in the hate crime protections in Scots Law, focusing specifically on the absence of legal protections for VAW, OVAW, hate crime, and gender-based violence, and it includes international comparisons throughout. Given the current upsurge in the abuse of women, this book offers a holistic assessment of the phenomenon of VAW and makes the case for pressing law reform in Scotland, specifically for legal protections against VAW and OVAW to be included within Scots Law. The book contains not only research findings but also makes practical recommendations for law and policy reform in the areas of hate crime, VAW and OVAW. As such, it contributes to Scotland’s progressive and leading approach to tackling violence against women and girls.

• law
• law and technology
• gender and law
• hate studies
• online hate
• violence against women
• gender-based violence
• online misogyny
• Reforming Hate Crime
• criminal law

“Men’s violence against women permeates all areas of women’s lives both on and offline, it is relentless and at times overwhelming.  Despite efforts to tackle it over the years, it is rightly a cause of anger that the reality for women is that there remains a gap between policy intention, legislation and what they can experience day to day.  I am really pleased that the authors have harnessed this anger and written an important book which provides a robust analysis of the law here in Scotland which will provide a helpful contribution to our discussions and decisions moving forward.” (Ruth Maguire, Member of the Scottish Parliament, UK)

“This is an excellent book on the phenomenon of violence against women and law and policy responses to it in Scotland. Jurasz and Barker present the first ever academic study offering a holistic assessment of violence against women in Scotland, both online and offline. The book is an ideal addition to any course on hate crime, misogyny and online violence against women as well as useful for practitioners in law and policy reform.” (Dr Irene Zempi, Nottingham Trent University, UK)

“A shocking analysis of a deeply embedded problem (…). A brilliant piece of work.” (Baroness Kennedy QC, UK)

“Recent attempts at law reform – both complete and incomplete – in Scotland have highlighted just how much work remains to be done in shaping the law’s response to violence against women, both online and offline. Barker and Jurasz’s work, with its breadth of focus, is a timely contribution to that debate.” (Professor James Chalmers, University of Glasgow, UK)

• Law School, The Open University, MILTON KEYNES, UK

  Kim Barker, Olga Jurasz

Kim Barker is Senior Lecturer in Law at the Open University Law School, Open University, UK.