A Critical Discourse Analysis of Violence against Women: From D.A.R.V.O. to Institutional Courage (Palgrave Studies in Language, Gender and Sexuality)

By: Giuseppina Scotto di Carlo

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Synopsis: This book presents a critical analysis of the language surrounding Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG), demonstrating how discourse can both sustain harm and serve as a catalyst for healing and change. Grounded in Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), it examines the &“DARVO&” tactic—Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim and Offender (Freyd, 1997)—a manipulative strategy used by perpetrators to evade accountability, silence survivors, and reinforce a culture of victim-blaming. Through detailed case studies, the book uncovers the broader societal structures that enable and normalise these behaviours. To counteract these harmful dynamics, the author introduces the concept of &“institutional courage&” (Freyd, 1997), providing a framework for institutions to respond more effectively and empathetically to VAWG. Ultimately, the book advocates for a shift in both individual and institutional responses, urging a collective commitment to challenge DARVO and adopt institutional courage in the fight against VAWG. This work will be of particular interest to scholars, practitioners, and students across Linguistics, Women&’s and Gender Studies, Sociology, and Institutional Discourse.

Book Quality:: Publisher Quality
ISBN-13:: 9783031888663
Related ISBNs:: 9783031888656
Publisher:: Springer Nature Switzerland
Date of Addition:: 05/26/25
Copyrighted By:: The Editor
Adult content:: No
Language:: English
Has Image Descriptions:: No
Categories:: Nonfiction, Social Studies, Language Arts, Politics and Government, Sociology
Submitted By:: Bookshare Staff
Usage Restrictions:: This is a copyrighted book.