Victim-Survivors, Family and Domestic Violence Service Providers and Support People: Identification of Priority Issues for Research and Translation into Policy and Practice

Purpose The rates of family and domestic violence (FDV) remain significantly high in Australia, and to address this, we need to ensure that victim-survivors of FDV are at the centre of these efforts. The research objective was to determine priority issues for future research and policy in FDV as determined by victim-survivors of FDV, providers of FDV services and informal support people.

Methods A survey was made available online and a recruitment email sent out to FDV service providers, victim-survivor support groups and professional networks for the survey recruitment of victim-survivors, informal support people and workers within FDV services. Survey questions asked for demographic information and an open-ended question to identify priority issues for research and translation in FDV. It was completed by 150 respondents in Western Australia with 70% identifying as victim-survivors and heavily biased towards women (94%). Qualitative content analysis was utilised to code participant responses into themed areas.

Results A range of priority areas were identified for research and translation including non-physical abuse, justice system reforms, accommodation, mental health of victim-survivors, children's health and wellbeing, education and prevention and perpetrator accountability.

Conclusions Victim-survivors, FDV service providers and informal support people identified a number of priority issues for research and translation into policy and practice. It is essential that victim-survivors are given opportunities to provide their views, knowledge and recommendations to develop research agendas, policy, practice and strategies aimed at reducing FDV in the community.