Description

This book offers an in-depth and multidimensional analysis of one of the most serious and persistent social problems: violence against women and its most extreme manifestation, femicide. The work proposes addressing these phenomena not only from a legal perspective, but by integrating psychology, sociology, and criminology to understand the emotional, cognitive, and cultural roots of perpetrators, as well as the profound consequences for victims. From emotion regulation and the influence of stress on the immune system to the exploration of repressed traumatic memories and emotional resilience, the book enables the identification of risk factors, mechanisms that perpetuate abuse, and effective intervention strategies. Through an interdisciplinary approach, the author examines domestic violence in Ecuador, demonstrating how patriarchal cultural norms, power dynamics, and intergenerational transmission sustain patterns of abuse, while highlighting the resilience of victims in hostile environments. The book also delves into misogyny as a psychological, social, and cultural phenomenon, whose irrational hatred of women constitutes a central factor in explaining femicide and calls for rigorous forensic psychological assessments to prevent and adequately punish these crimes. Integrating theory, empirical research, and case studies, this work provides conceptual and methodological tools for psychologists, legal professionals, educators, and public policymakers. More than an academic analysis, it is an urgent call to action, toward prevention, victim protection, and the construction of societies in which the dignity, equality, and lives of women are respected and valued.

Suggested citation (APA, seventh edition)

Mosquera-Zambrano, S. (2026). Femicide and domestic violence: Psychological perspectives for understanding and prevention. Sophia Editions.