Denying Violence against Women a Future:1 Feminist Epistemology and the Struggle for Social Justice

Abstract

This chapter critically explores the limited progress made in protecting women from male violence through examining the nature and operation of the state and, crucially, the legal system. The chapter begins by outlining feminist analyses of the criminal justice system and asserts that it is only these contributions, underpinned by feminist epistemology, which have the capacity to adequately analyse this continued failure. Next, the symbiotic relationship between feminist epistemology and theory is applied to the case of Fri Martin, who received a life sentence in 2015 after being found guilty of murdering her abusive partner, to demonstrate its continued importance in uncovering women’s victimization. Finally, the chapter considers the impact that modern technology has had on generating new forms of gendered violence and social control in the 21st century. Overall, the chapter argues that the impact, value and contribution of feminist epistemology is vital in the struggle for social justice and preventing male hegemony from achieving full domination.