Private Security and Domestic Violence

The role of private security in partnering with domestic violence services to help keep survivors of violence safe has grown quickly with limited oversight. Drawing on interviews with stakeholders, Harkin's accessible, timely and original analysis outlines the challenges, risks and benefits and recommends an innovative, yet practical, pathway forward. Professor Heather Douglas, TC Beirne School of Law, University of Queensland, Australia Dr Harkin's book is unique in both the domestic violence and private security fields. The world is desperately seeking solutions to the entrenched problem of violence against women and children. The book provides an honest and systematic analysis of the scope for prevention through the application of security industry services, with a key proviso regarding appropriate regulation of the industry. This is an essential source for anyone interested in making a real difference in this crucial area of policy and practice. Tim Prenzler, Professor of Criminology, University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia Dr Harkin has captured what occurs when non-profit, ethically driven, safety-first domestic violence services intersect with the for-profit security industry. Sometimes it is works really well, and sometimes it's really dangerous. Finally in one place, a confirmation of what many professional domestic and family violence practitioners have been saying: technology can help survivors but it shouldn't be done by unregulated cowboys and it's not a silver bullet . This is an invaluable book for Australian government policy makers and the domestic and family violence sector. Karen Bentley, National Director, WESNET (the Women's Services Network) Inc., Australia