The emergence of contrasting domestic violence regimes in post-communist Europe

Between the end of socialism and the 2004 European Union enlargement, options for women in Central and Eastern Europe seeking to overcome domestic violence grew noticeably. Because these options include both social movement organisations and the state, we adopt what we call a 'domestic violence regime' approach, comparing II countries and exploring four - Poland, Russia, Slovakia and Armenia - in more depth. Considering the impact of foreign intervention in encouraging and complicating these reforms, the conclusion draws implications for European policy makers concerned with gender equality.