A Review of Woman Abuse in Rural Places by Walter S. DeKeseredy

Abstract

This review critically examines Woman Abuse in Rural Places by Walter S. DeKeseredy, highlighting its significant contribution to the study of violence against women in rural contexts. The book systematically explores the multidimensional nature of woman abuse, engaging with theoretical, empirical, and activist perspectives. DeKeseredy challenges gender-neutral terminology, advocating for a gender-specific approach that foregrounds the political and institutional dynamics sustaining violence against women. Notably, the book expands the established conceptual frameworks to include crimes of the powerful, corporate, governmental, and state violence, thus situating interpersonal violence within broader structural and institutional harm. The analysis extends to globalisation and resource extraction as drivers of vulnerability and integrates survivor narratives with policy recommendations. While the book offers conceptual clarity and actionable insights, this review identifies limitations in its engagement with intersectionality and women’s agency, suggesting that a more sustained integration of these perspectives would further strengthen the analysis. Nonetheless, DeKeseredy’s work provides a robust framework for understanding and addressing woman abuse in rural places, offering valuable guidance for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers alike.

Keywords: rural criminology, feminist criminology, violence against women, continuum of woman abuse, crimes of the powerful

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