This coursebook explores the law of domestic violence in the United States through interdisciplinary articles, book excerpts, historical cases, studies, policy papers, and statutes. The book fosters critical thinking by presenting opposing viewpoints and critiques of existing law.

Topical coverage includes dynamics of abuse, demographic differences, torts, restraining orders, and children. Chapters on the criminal law cover partner rape, police responses, prosecution, and the prosecution of domestic violence victims. Other chapters include VAWA, firearms restrictions, military responses, confidentiality, safety, financial issues, immigration, asylum, and international human rights.

The revised edition covers many new topics, including teen dating violence, animal and litigation abuse, coercive control, risk factors for abusers, Family Justice Centers, the ACEs study, tribal sovereignty, police dangerousness assessments, CPS and DV advocate collaboration, abusers' parenting, restorative justice, and nuisance ordinances, among other subjects. New cases deal with firearms, evidentiary issues, mutual orders, children witnessing abuse or being abducted, suits against police, re-entry from prison, leave from work, unemployment benefits, asylum, and many other topics.