Krisesentre for mishandlede kvinner på 1970- og 1980-tallet

Overview & Synopsis

The establishment of crisis centers in Norway is an important event in women's history. The first center was established in 1978, and within a few years there were centers all over the country, thanks to the efforts of activists and local advocates who sought to highlight violence against women as a social problem and gendered abuse of power. In this book, Solgunn Eidheim looks at the rise of shelters, their organization, and how they changed during the first decade, and answers central questions: What influenced the establishment of the shelters? Which ideological platform or platforms did they shape? And how did they evolve in relation to public authorities. Of particular importance was the choice of a flat organizational form, which gave the centers both opportunities and challenges. Eidheim shows how the movement worked in practical and political ways, including negotiating with both emergency services and the police, and also calling for stricter punishments for perpetrators of violence against women. The book is based on rich source material and provides a detailed historical view of the era during which crisis shelters were established, as well as insightful analysis of the women's movement. It is recommended to anyone interested in the women's movement and an understanding of violence against women. It is also relevant for studies of social movements and the importance of organizational forms for political power.