Music therapists working in the area of domestic violence represent an emergent, but growing professional group. The termdomestic violenceis currently the most widely recognized. However, it has been criticized for the way in which it can serve to mask dimensions of gender and power involved, and can individualize the problem, ignoring its sociopolitical underpinnings. It also masks connections between this type of violence and all forms of male violence against women. As a result to ensure a better understanding, the preferred term for all types of this violence iswoman abuse, withintimate male partner violence(IMPV) the preferred term for violence against women in their intimate relationships. It should be noted that men can be victims of violence, but this violence is different in its nature, scope, and its impact. Music therapy work in the area of woman abuse is presented in this chapter.
