Feminist Perspectives on Family Rights: Social Work and Restorative Practices for Stopping Abuse of Women

This chapter expands the discourse on feminist practice in social work and restorative justice. It explores the ways in which restorative processes and social work can combine to fashion a feminist solution for addressing domestic violence. It analyzes the term family rights and argues that this concept must encompass respect for diverse family cultures and uphold universal human rights such as safety. The case study shows how restorative processes can render moot what the chapter calls the paradox of family rights-which is based on diversity and universality-by providing a space in which all are respected and rights are safeguarded. The chapter points to the potential of restorative process in cases of domestic violence, and does not shy away from the multiple cautions that are associated with restorative practices in cases of family violence.