10 Aug 2026
The Fabric of Safety: Weaving Civil Society and Citizenship to Address Domestic Violence
Detailed Synopsis:
In the podcast episode featuring Professor Susan Edwards KC (https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/about-us/our-staff/e/susan-edwards/), the discussion centres on the critical intersection of civil society, citizenship, and the legal frameworks that address domestic violence. Professor Edwards, a prominent legal scholar and activist, emphasises the importance of recognising domestic abuse as a fundamental issue that affects not only individual victims but also the fabric of society as a whole.
Historical Context and Legal Evolution
Professor Edwards reflects on her extensive career, which began over four decades ago, during a time when legal discourse largely ignored domestic violence (https://www.un.org/en/coronavirus/what-is-domestic-abuse). Her pioneering research in the 1980s highlighted the systemic failures of the legal system in addressing gender-based violence, particularly the treatment of women as victims. She notes that her work has significantly influenced legal reforms, including the Domestic Abuse Act and various international human rights frameworks. This evolution underscores the necessity of viewing safety as a prerequisite for citizenship, as the law must recognise and address the coercive and cumulative nature of abuse.
The Role of Civil Society
Civil society plays a vital role in advocating for victims and pushing for legal reforms. Professor Edwards points out that the voices of survivors, like Gisele Pelicot (https://wearehourglass.org/gisele-pelicot-look-back-trial-which-shook-world), who waived her anonymity to speak out about her experiences, are crucial in transforming private suffering into public discourse. This transition from private victimhood to public citizenship empowers individuals to demand accountability and change. The podcast highlights the importance of lived experiences in shaping legal narratives and influencing societal attitudes towards domestic violence.
Challenges in the Legal Framework
Despite advancements, significant challenges remain within the legal system. Professor Edwards discusses the ongoing struggle for women who kill in self-defence, particularly in the context of domestic abuse. The legal principles of proportionality and reasonableness, which are often rooted in male experiences, fail to adequately account for the realities faced by women in abusive relationships. The law's historical bias towards male conduct complicates the application of self-defence, making it difficult for women to mount a successful defence when they act to protect themselves from violence.
Moreover, the podcast addresses the persistence of misogyny and the trivialisation of women's experiences, which continue to manifest in contemporary legal contexts. The notion of "rough sex" as a defence in cases of sexual violence exemplifies how societal attitudes can undermine the seriousness of abuse and perpetuate harmful stereotypes.
The Domestic Abuse Act 2021
The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 (https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2021/17/contents) represents a significant step forward in addressing these issues. It codifies various forms of abuse, including economic abuse and coercive control, and removes the so-called "rough sex" defence. However, Professor Edwards cautions that while the Act is a crucial legislative advancement, it does not fully eradicate the challenges posed by entrenched societal attitudes and the influence of powerful individuals who may exploit their status to evade accountability.
Moving Forward: Education and Advocacy
To dismantle the systemic issues surrounding domestic violence, Professor Edwards advocates for early education and awareness. She emphasises the need to educate children about respect and consent from a young age, rather than waiting until they are teenagers. This proactive approach is essential in challenging the misogyny and microaggressions that permeate society.
In conclusion, the podcast episode underscores the importance of weaving together civil society, legal frameworks, and individual narratives to create a robust fabric of safety for all citizens. By amplifying the voices of survivors and advocating for comprehensive legal reforms, society can work towards a future where domestic violence is no longer tolerated, and all individuals can feel safe and secure in their citizenship.
Timestamps:
[00:02:27] King's Counsel Honorary Award.
[00:05:06] Victimisation and domestic abuse research.
[00:13:12] Legal activism for domestic abuse.
[00:17:18] Women's self-defence and legal challenges.
[00:19:42] Female self-defence and legal challenges.
[00:27:10] Self-defence and legal reform.
[00:29:41] Coercive control and misogyny.
[00:38:00] Rough sex and consent issues.
[00:42:08] Public voices against abuse.
[00:45:18] Women's voices in domestic abuse.
[00:50:41] Subjugated voices and legal activism.
[00:56:04] Early education on misogyny.
[01:02:20] Domestic Abuse Act's impact.
[01:06:08] Legal activism for women and girls.
[01:10:59] Domestic violence generational impact.
Recommended Reading:
1. Female Sexuality and the Law (https://www.routledge.com/Female-Sexuality-and-the-Law-A-Study-of-Constructs-of-Female-Sexuality-as-they-Inform-Statute-and-Legal-Procedure/Edwards/p/book/9781041113348): A Study of Constructs of Female Sexuality as they Inform Statute and Legal Procedure (Routledge Taylor & Francis, December 1, 2025). By Susan S. M. Edwards.
2. Sex and Gender in the Legal Process (https://www.amazon.com/Gender-Legal-Process-Susan-Edwards/dp/1854315072) (Blackstone Press Ltd, November 7, 2002). By Susan S. M. Edwards.
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