^aUniversity of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK

Correspondence: Kirsty Welsh, School of Law, University of Sheffield, Bartolome House, Winter Street, Sheffield S3 7ND, UK. E-mail: kirsty.welsh@shef.ac.uk

Abstract

This paper reflects on doctoral research conducted in Northern England to explore understandings about and approaches to domestic violence. Specifically, it considers the problem's increasing popularization as an "...horrific crime..." and wonders whether and how its increasing celebration as a "collective cause" could marginalize the feminist analyses and action that has, for over 30 years, been so central to endeavours to challenge male violence in the home. Focusing on two issues, gender and crime prevention, the paper examines local and national policy and practice on domestic violence in order to explore whether current policy is a move in the right direction or whether it has taken a step too far.