Palgrave Studies in Language, Gender and Sexuality: From D.A.R.V.O. to Institutional Courage

Scotto di Carlo, Giuseppina

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.

Details

Published by: Palgrave Macmillan

Publication Date: 2025-05-27

Format: Hardcover

ISBN-13: 9783031888656

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-88866-3

Dimensions: 210cm x148cm

Pages: 336