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Abstract: 

Barry Goldstein argues that the persistence of domestic violence stems from society’s failure to treat it as a serious crime. Historically dismissed as a private matter, domestic abuse continues to be undermined by lenient law enforcement, untrained courts, and myths about anger or substance abuse. Drawing on decades of research and successful models from Quincy, Nashville, San Diego, and High Point, Goldstein shows that strict enforcement, coordinated community responses, and evidence-based practices dramatically reduce domestic violence and homicide. He criticizes family courts’ susceptibility to abuser manipulation and calls for policies centered on accountability, survivor protection, and modern science. Ending domestic violence, he concludes, requires unwavering consequences for offenders and unwavering support for victims.

Keywords: Domestic Violence; Accountability; Law Enforcement; Family Courts; Coercive Control; Protective Orders; Coordinated Community Response; Victim Safety; Evidence-Based Practices; Batterer Intervention

Affiliations:  1: Attorney at Law.