A History of the Domestic Violence Movement

Must-see presentation by Erin Pizzey at the “Ideology to Inclusion” Conference, Sacramento, February 16th, 2008.

Erin begins with the early history of the domestic violence movement, and her efforts to open the first shelter for women and children in 1971. The early history of the feminist movement in England is discussed, and the ensuing battle between advocates who conceptualised domestic violence as a human and family issue rather than a gender issue, and those who used the movement as a means of funding and advancing a radial political ideology based on Marxist teaching. This presentation describes in detail the importance of this ideological split, and how the needs and wishes of women themselves have often been ignored. The presentation ends with a general descriptions of where we are now and suggestions for the future.