Until recently, domestic violence, as it has been referred to, was a problem to be dealt with inside the family. In this ground-breaking work, Hattery's unique approach provides a detailed theoretical discussion of race, class, and gender-effects on intimate partner violence and a thoughtful discussion of the interactions of these factors.

Setting the stage -- Individual factors that contribute to intimate partner violence -- Structural supports for intimate partner violence : capitalism, racism, and patriarchy -- Cultural supports for intimate partner violence : constructions of masculinity and femininity -- Race and intimate partner violence : violence in interracial and intraracial relationships -- We were made for each other : definitions of romantic love and ties to intimate partner violence -- Where do we go from here? The search for equality.