Gender-based violence (GBV) takes many forms, including direct physical, psychological, emotional and economic abuse, and indirect abuses such as intentional gender blindness. These actions, or inactions, can have detrimental effects across generations and cultures. The triangulation of GBV, rurality and rural culture has become a challenging, yet essential, topic. The discussion on rural crime is also timely and urgent when considering most criminological theories in the Western world focus on urban settings. Since the definition of rural and rurality differs worldwide, the study of the phenomena of violence and rurality needs innovative, sophisticated and up-to-date methodologies. In this text, readers explored the most current research about GBV in the United States with implications that can be applied internationally, with chapters utilising qualitative and quantitative methods. Chapters are rich and diverse in topics, focused on oppressed groups such as immigrants and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual and ally plus (LGBTQIA+ ), by exploring new theories on the patterns of violence with a spotlight on patriarchy. Chapters examine best practices to positively affect the lives of survivors – moving from policy review into actionable change. The text collects a series of research and agency reports that provide a holistic view of GBV in rural communities. The text also emphasises insights on the prevention and education of GBV from youth to college-aged adults. The text introduces interdisciplinary approaches (such as community justice and non-profit victim advocacy work) to tackle intersectional issues of GBV in rural areas.

We also want to reiterate the ultimate intent of the current text while encouraging scholars and practitioners to continue their research endeavours in the following areas that will most benefit.

A global perspective

Research on GBV in rural areas should involve international scholars to capture and disseminate findings from a global perspective. For example, readers may refer to national datasets and more localised data to explore the study on rural violence and victimisation. Research should be more inclusive by including the characteristics, prevalence and incidences of GBV in rural places worldwide to provide a comprehensive perspective on the intersectional relationship between rurality and GBV in myriad contexts.