Honor-Based Abuse in England and Wales: Who Does What to Whom?

Key findings are presented from an empirical study profiling 1,474 cases of honor-based abuse (HBA) known to police and victim services in England and Wales. Thematic and quantitative (regression) analyses were used to investigate whether and how HBA differed from other forms of domestic abuse and forced marriage. A new typology of HBA is proposed, based principally on the relationship(s) between victim and perpetrator(s). Interpreted within an overarching lens of gender-based violence, it is argued that Type 1 (partner abuse) and Type 3 (partner plus family abuse) are culturally specific forms of domestic abuse, whereas Type 2 (family abuse) is distinct

Systematic Map and In-depth Review of Empirical Studies of Informal Social Support Interventions for Victim-survivors of Domestic Violence and Abuse, 2021

A database of empirical studies that examine informal social support interventions, with codes applied as part of the systematic mapping and in-depth review process (data captured about each study, sample, intervention, outcomes).This project aims to improve outcomes for victim-survivors of domestic violence and abuse (DVA) by advancing knowledge about informal social support interventions. The pandemic has highlighted the challenges that policing, health and frontline services face in seeking to identify and support victims-survivors of DVA. Anecdotal evidence suggests that victims have been less able and/ or willing to seek help from traditional first responders (Peterman et al., 2020) whilst more informal sources of support have faced increased demands: Refuge saw a 700% increase in the number of visits to their Helpline website during the initial lockdown (ONS, 2020). Interventions that aid informal networks (such as family, friends, neighbours and community groups) can therefore play a critical role (Sanchez et al., 2020). For those 'living with domestic abuse... the view from outside, from supportive friends, family and neighbours, is so important' (DVA Survivor, SafeLives), with the potential to improve mental and physical health outcomes for victims of DVA (Coker et al., 2004; Goodman et al., 2011). Yet, very little is known about interventions that promote, enhance, or create informal social support for adults affected by DVA. This project will review existing research to identify effective informal social support interventions and how they 'work'. A systematic rapid review will identify, describe, appraise and synthesize evidence to understand whether, and how, informal social support interventions can improve outcomes for victims and survivors of DVA. In collaboration with stakeholders, these findings will then be translated into practical, real-world guidance for friends, families and communities, as well as DVA practitioners. The collaboration between UCL and SafeLives will ensure relevance, methodological rigour, and UK-wide reach of the project and outputs. SafeLives' #ReachIn campaign will serve as a vehicle for engaging key audiences and maximising benefits now, in the recovery phase of the pandemic, and beyond.</p

Barriers and Opportunities to Effective Identification and Management of Domestic Violence and Abuse

The aim of this chapter is to explore the debates and evidence surrounding domestic violence and abuse (DVA), routine enquiry and the support mechanisms that are in place to support those working in clinical practice. As a healthcare professional across any spectrum of clinical settings you are required to provide the best possible care for your patients. Your healthcare facility is often uniquely placed and can play an essential role in responding, supporting and referring patients to appropriate services who have experienced DVA. In the UK, for example, there are clear signposting and specialist services available to support survivors and also for perpetrator programmes. This is often in addition to the support that can be provided at the time of first contact with healthcare services. This chapter will explore the literature on DVA within a number of clinical settings and enable you to understand the complexity of decision-making with regard to screening and clinical/routine enquiry

Credibility in Context: Jury Education and Intimate Partner Rape

This article reflects critically on the scope of educational jury directions currently utilised in sexual offence cases in England and Wales and argues for their extension to circumstances specifically arising in cases of so-called ‘domestic’ or intimate partner rape. This position is defended as a necessary step to promote more accurate credibility assessment of claims of sexual violence and the prospects of just trial outcomes for survivors in this subcategory of rape cases

Feminist framings of victim advocacy in criminal justice contexts

Trained professionals and volunteers have been key partners in the various developments in support of victims in the criminal justice system. Victim advocacy work is embryonic in this tradition and advocacy services can include offering information to victims, emotional support, help finding resources and completing paperwork, and accompanying victims to court. Concerns about the criminal justice response to rape have prompted the development of a number of different initiatives including victim advocacy services. This chapter draws upon research and evaluation studies of innovative advocacy services introduced to assist victims/survivors of rape to report to the police. Whilst findings suggest advocacy support improves victims’ experience of the criminal justice process and assists sustained engagement in this process, in some cases, it also facilitated making a report of rape to the police in the first instance. The chapter explores the nature, meaning and value of advocacy work from the perspective of practitioners delivering advocacy support and victims who have accessed advocacy services when reporting rape to the police. The chapter focuses on the benefits of advocacy that extend well beyond the emotional recovery of victims; advocacy also assists engagement in the criminal justice process