Research and information project
The availability of contemporary sound data on domestic violence and violence against women in Wales is extremely poor. What does exist tends to be the recording of subjective experiences as opposed to methodologically sound research findings that add to knowledge in key areas of interest.
Aims and Objectives of the Project
- Identifying existing data collection on ethnic minorities and gaps relating to the needs of black women facing domestic violence
- Delivering key data as a contribution to establish an accurate picture of needs of BME women fleeing violence across Wales.
- Exploring methods of involving black women in planning and reviewing services - i.e. Impact Assessment and Scrutiny Panels.
- Reviewing how best policy makers can be aware of race equality issues that will impact on service delivery.
Evidence to illustrate the needs of the Project
- Work on black women and domestic abuse is minimal. What does exist has been short term in nature, funded by specific project money, and is qualitative rather than quantitative.
- As a result, the position of black women facing domestic abuse has almost no profile and in most part is not regarded as an issue or a priority. Importantly related research undertaken 'from the black / ethnic minority perspective' has no discernible impact on policy or practice.
- According to the NSPCC "The elements of racism in the research process itself is making research fail to focus in Black and Ethnic Minority women's issues".
- Development of a database to collect and analyse service user data and provide reports and statistics to evidence service delivery is undergoing.
- Development of BAWSO Website for interaction between partners, other agencies, perspective service user referrals, the wider public and staff recruitment.
How will the project benefit the people who use it
- Our Information and Research project is being set up to document and provide an in-depth knowledge of Black women's and children's experiences and the services required to meet Black women's and children's needs in order to inform any future policy making and development or refuge service provision for Black women.
- Enhancing and developing information gathering strategies and systems on domestic abuse and its effects on women and children.
- To enable the development of a range of domestic abuse information resources, including publications, briefings, and electronic information.
BAWSO intends to become the centre for research and data collation on abuse towards BME women in Wales. It intends to become a focus for information, and to provide evidence to inform policy making and the appropriate allocation of resources.
BAWSO services will deliver key data as a contribution to establishing a better picture of needs and services across Wales. Other agencies collect information which would be useful but is not currently shared. Additional data collection (monitoring) and its assessment (evaluation) will be necessary.
