Philip Jenkins

In the following viewpoint, Philip Jenkins argues that the rise in the number of reports of domestic violence is due to women’s increased awareness of the availability of social services and their willingness to use the services, not because of an actual increase in the behavior itself. In addition, Jenkins contends that the extent of domestic violence is determined by how “abuse” is defined. Broadening the definition increases the number of cases, he asserts. Jenkins is a professor of history and religious studies at Pennsylvania State University, and the author of numerous articles on crime and religion.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. What have battered women’s advocates misleadingly called the “day of dread for women,” according to Jenkins"
2. In the author’s opinion...