Ethics in violence and abuse research : a positive empowerment approach
Ethics in violence and abuse research : a positive empowerment approach
Julia Downes, Liz Kelly and Nicole Westmarland
- Sociological Research Online, 2014
- Sociological Research Online .
Sociological Research Online, 2014, 19(1): 2 (13 pages)
This article focuses on the tensions that can arise from the research governance of violence and abuse research. [The authors] argue that increased scrutiny of violence and abuse as a 'sensitive' topic that involves 'vulnerable' groups has made ethical clearance more challenging, which in turn can lead to a dangerous lack of evidence. This can have a harmful impact upon women and children and leave specialised violence and abuse services facing a precarious future. Drawing on recent debates [the authors] describe the 'positive empowerment' approach used to engage victim-survivors and perpetrators of domestic violence in Project Mirabal. [The authors] conclude with recommendations for ethical decision-making in violence and abuse research: (i) to reconsider participants as active agents and stakeholders; (ii) to prioritise the development of skilled researchers; (iii) to develop situated processes of informed consent and confidentiality; and (iv) to continue to discuss and share practical experiences of feminist research practice that seeks to deliver justice and social change. Ifrom the abstract)
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE
Project Mirabal
RESEARCH
RESEARCH ETHICS
SUPPORT SERVICES
VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Sociological Research Online, 2014, 19(1): 2 (13 pages)
This article focuses on the tensions that can arise from the research governance of violence and abuse research. [The authors] argue that increased scrutiny of violence and abuse as a 'sensitive' topic that involves 'vulnerable' groups has made ethical clearance more challenging, which in turn can lead to a dangerous lack of evidence. This can have a harmful impact upon women and children and leave specialised violence and abuse services facing a precarious future. Drawing on recent debates [the authors] describe the 'positive empowerment' approach used to engage victim-survivors and perpetrators of domestic violence in Project Mirabal. [The authors] conclude with recommendations for ethical decision-making in violence and abuse research: (i) to reconsider participants as active agents and stakeholders; (ii) to prioritise the development of skilled researchers; (iii) to develop situated processes of informed consent and confidentiality; and (iv) to continue to discuss and share practical experiences of feminist research practice that seeks to deliver justice and social change. Ifrom the abstract)
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE
Project Mirabal
RESEARCH
RESEARCH ETHICS
SUPPORT SERVICES
VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE