Social support groups offer effective ways to tackle domestic violence

A new group at Queen's University Belfast will help tackle the scourge of domestic violence, which affects thousands of women, children and men in Northern Ireland every day.

The Domestic Violence Research Special Interest Group is the first of its kind on the island of Ireland to bring together researchers, policy makers, health and social care professionals, charities and support groups. The Group will provide access to the latest research into domestic violence and help shape future research to inform the development of more effective and efficient ways of tackling the problem.

The first meeting of the Group, which is part-funded by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, will take place at Queens today (Tuesday 8 December). The meeting will be addressed by Professor Julie Taylor from the University of Dundee, who led the development of a similar initiative in Scotland.

Dr John Devaney from the School of Sociology, Social Policy and Social Work is Co-Chair of the Group. He said: "Domestic violence is a significant social problem in Northern Ireland. Last year, the police responded to an incident of domestic violence every 23 minutes, yet we know many cases go unreported. Around 11,000 children are directly affected by domestic abuse and the cost to the Northern Ireland economy is estimated at £180million annually. This is equivalent to the deferral of water charges each year or the building of nine new post-primary schools.

"The Government's Tackling Violence at Home strategy in 2005 highlighted the need to develop policies and services to counter domestic violence. These must be based on the latest research evidence on violence in the home, its causes and effects, and evidence as to what works best when tackling domestic abuse. This is where the Domestic Violence Research Special Interest Group will play an important role.

"The Group will provide a forum to share the latest research findings and shape future research to help improve our understanding of the problem. Ultimately, our aim is to help rid our society of the scourge of domestic violence."

Dr Anne Lazenbatt, NSPCC Reader in Childhood Studies at Queen's and Co-chair of the group said: "Queen's researchers are already working hard to better understand experiences of older women who have suffered domestic violence. Violence at home is a common experience for around 15 per cent of women aged over 55 years. While some have been living with an abusive partner for many years others, who have begun a new relationship in later life, may be experiencing domestic violence for the first time.

"Our research, which is funded by the Changing Ageing Partnership, has found that older women are less likely to seek help, partly because of the lack of specialist services available to them. They are more likely to resort to misusing alcohol or prescription drugs in order to cope, resulting in problems for their physical and mental health.

"This research, which will be published in full next year, highlights the need for more support services for older women and awareness of the fact that they too suffer domestic abuse. It is just one example of how research can help us better understand extent and impact of domestic violence. Through research like this, the Group can help inform the development of policies and services to tackle domestic violence."

http://www.qub.ac.uk/