The collected essays in Violence Against Women, edited by Canadian and American academics, are an excellent reflection of current, multicultural, and feminist-oriented philosophical thought about violence against women. However, a more appropriate subtitle would have been feminist philosophical perspectives.

While this is touted as the first anthology to take a theoretical look at the topic, the essays really do not tell us anything new. Some pieces, such as PhD student Nadya Burton’s essay, “Resistance to prevention: Reconsidering feminist antiviolence rhetoric,” push the boundaries and challenge contemporary feminist wisdom with respect to women’s self-defence. Legal and medical issues are treated in a section on sexual harrassment. And Edith Pacillo, a judicial clerk, examines media responsibility in the section exploring pornography, prostitution, and free speech. The only male author in the series, Arnold Eiser, explores transcultural values and violence.

With the exception of philosophy professor Wanda Teays’ essay, the book’s section on domestic violence is a disappointment. In Canada and the U.S., everyone benefits from a cogent examination of the philosophical underpinnings of domestic violence. Such an analysis is essential for the construction of sound theory leading to effective intervention strategies. While there is much to be learned from what happens in Bangladesh, and while the horrific practice of female genital mutilation needs to be vigorously addressed, the immediate problem of domestic violence “at home” is left dangling.

Anyone working with women victims of violence should spend some time with this volume. It is, however, less useful for people working with male perpetrators. Those encountering this type of philosophical approach for the first time will find the collection of essays worthwhile.