The defences of provocation and self-defence were they argue framed with specific reference to male experience

The defences of "provocation" and "self-defence" were, they argue, framed with specific reference to male experience. JFW is also vehemently opposed to the use of "expert witnesses" testifying to "Battered Wives Syndrome" under the diminished responsibility defence. They contend that it is the mi nd of the violent man which is abnormal and not the woman's. Justice for Women argues that all three existing defences are weighted against female defendants. The defence of diminished responsibility requires proof of "abnormality of mind".

And if we don't get to defend our ideas, we don't get to save women's lives. "But," she adds, "the fight is half the fun." Justice for women? Under the 1957 Homicide Act, a murder conviction carries a mandatory life sentence. The charge may be reduced to manslaughter in one of three ways. The defendant can plead self- defence, provocation, or - the defence most frequently used by women who kil l violent men - diminished responsibility. It's strategic," explains Bindel."It's a way to have a go at the Home Secretary We want people to see these women as political prisoners. If we don't set ourselves up for attack, we don't get to defend our ideas. On November 25 (which is International Violence Against Women Day), they will demand amnesty for all women serving life sentences in British jails for killing violent men.They don't stand a chance in hell of carrying this one off, but it will get headlines.

Bindel and Wistich will always find time, however, for the odd grand gesture. When she tried to leave him, he threatened to track her down and kill their three children. With Sara Thornton's appeal apparentlydone and dusted (her case comes before the Court of Appeal on 4 December, but it would be extremely rare for the Court to grant bail and not acquit.), JWF are now precoccupied with the case of Josephine Smith, a Norwich woman currently serving life for killi ng her husband Smith shot her husband after years of violent abuse. "But we will give every sympathy to women who have been driven to such a desperate action."The answerphone chez Wistrich and Bindel clicks and whirrs constantly with media requests for data, pictures of abused and imprisoned women ("got anything a bit less hatchet-faced, luv?"), and quotes on issues. "We do not advocate the killing of men, no matter how bad they have been," she says, sounding less than reassuring.