How policy paid lip service to proper protection

This short and accessible book provides a sobering insight into the lack of progress into actually changing the reality for women survivors of domestic abuse. It highlights how the promise of effective legislation to address this horrific human rights breach has failed to live up to expectations. It explores the gap between policy intentions and real outcomes for women survivors, giving concrete examples of how the act has effectively paid only lip service to proper protection. 

Exposing the roots and causational factors involved in matricidal abuse, Ismail explores the complex interplay of social, political, and economic factors that contribute to abuse of mothers by sons. She highlights the factors at play that undermine both reporting and seeking protection. In doing so, she provides a useful oversight of where the act has fallen short in delivering better protection for women.

The book also makes pertinent suggestions for family courts, policymakers and support services. Ismail sets out the case for better data collection, transparency and accountability, together with wider mandatory training for the judiciary, alongside improved trauma-informed and culturally appropriate support services.’

Jenny Beck is co-founder of Beck Fitzgerald