The Spousal Assault Policy: a Critical Analysis
Description:
This article examines the complex relationship between PCLS's spousal assault policy and the clinic’s mandate to
practice poverty law. The author addresses the conflict which arises from the clinic’s attempt to reconcile two goals—access to justice for all members of Parkdale’s poor community and advocacy in the area of violence against women. The article also examines whether poverty can serve as a catalyst for violent behaviour or whether such a hypothesis is based on classist myths and assumptions. Ultimately, the author concludes that if battering can be linked to poverty, then PCLS (as a poverty law clinic) has an obligation to assist abusive men with legal issues unrelated to the battering. (excerpt from the article)
Type of Resource:
Journal
Publication Date:
1997
Volume:
35
Issue:
3-4
Pages:
785
Location:
Toronto