from the case file material. The framework of a ‘continuum of coercion’ highlights the ways in which abusive, controlling and/or obsessive relationships with a male partner may influence a woman’s ‘decision’ to offend and suggests that in some instances, such behaviours should be understood as being part of the wider continuum of domestic violence. A rational choice? A key similarly in the construction of the co-accused women is that the influence and impact of the personal relationship between the 65 FOR YOUTH WORKERS AND YOUTH WORK 64 C ERCION AND WOMEN CO
What role does coercion play in women’s involvement in crime?
This is the first book to explore coercion as a pathway into crime for co-offending women. Using newspaper articles and case and court files, it analyses four cases of women co-accused of a crime with their partner who suggested that coercive techniques had influenced their involvement in the offending.
Based on a feminist perspective, it highlights the importance of gender role expectations and gendered discourses in how the trials were conducted, and the ways in which the media framed the trials (and the women).
Considering the legal and social construction of coercion, this fascinating book concludes by exploring the implications for public understanding of coercion and female offending more broadly.
-studies, particularly considering motifs such as ‘bad mother’, ‘mythical monster’ and ‘other’, as well as exploring the construction of the women’s defence and perspectives. The alternative conceptual framework of a ‘continuum of coercion’ is discussed in Chapter Five, which outlines the ways in which abusive, controlling and/or obsessive relationships with a male partner/co-offender may influence a woman’s ‘decision’ to offend. The final chapter (Chapter Six) considers the ways in which this feminist, critical understanding of coercion may lead to a more nuanced
