Reviewer's report
Title:Mapping the Role of Structural and Interpersonal Violence in the Lives of
Women
Version:2Date:4 March 2015
Reviewer: Donna Chung
Reviewer's report:
MAJOR COMPULSORY REVISIONS
The paper importantly addresses the relationship between VAW and inequalities
in social and economic structures. This has long been a focus of feminist
analyses of VAW and so I think the assertions that this has not been addressed
and focus has been individualised are an overgeneralisation that needs
redressed and acknowledged with reference to feminist scholars' work in this
area and other researchers beyond that of the ecological model.
The background section on p.3 from line 76 onwards - too much generalising
about policy and this needs more nuancing and better analysis of existing policy
across areas of VAW.
The paper would be better re-structured around the key factors (eg culture etc)
than by symbolic and structural violence because currently it is often repetitive
about the various factors. Whereas by discussing around factors symbolic and
structural violence can still be included as conceptual frames for the analysis.
Whilst the idea being addressed is a good one - the organisation of the argument
is not strong and does not follow in the most logical way.
There are various terms used to describe men's violence against women, a
single term should be defined and used throughout for clarity. Where research is
only referring to one form of violence against women this should be noted.
The conclusion includes new information which should have been discussed in
the front of the paper such as limited attention to GLBTT and normativity of
heterosexuality as well as the mention of feminism.
MINOR ESSENTIAL REVISIONS
The methods are innovative and transparent regarding the selection of papers.
What is not clear is the extent to which papers had similar/same or differing
definitions as their starting points so it is clearer that 'like with like' is being
compared. This could be addressed and included in the methodology.
p.16 1st para discussion of inter-generational transmission of violence needs to
be more exact and nuanced it reads as overly deterministic.
p.21 Structural violence and civil society: The list of barriers confronting
immigrant and Aboriginal women that follows in this section I don't think can all
be equated to structural violence. Line 483 onwards - this is a long sentence that
needs re-writing.
Line 573 onwards - the discussion of applying the Ottawa Charter seems a little
out-dated as many government policies are already focused on multi-level and
intersectoral responses and intervention with VAW.
DISCRETIONARY REVISIONS
in addition to husband the term male partner would be more inclusive.
p.14 line 334 I would be wary of describing education as a 'contributor' as this
reads as too much of a direct correlation.
Level of interest: An article whose findings are important to those with closely
related research interests
Quality of written English: Needs some language corrections before being
published
Statistical review: No, the manuscript does not need to be seen by a statistician.
Declaration of competing interests:
I declare I have no competing interests