Research network aims to help eliminate Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence

Academics at the University of South Wales (USW) have established a research network to work towards the elimination of Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (VAWDASV).

The research network is led by Dr Sarah Wallace, Senior Research Fellow at the Welsh Institute for Health and Social Care (WIHSC), and Dr Emily Underwood-Lee, Associate Professor of Performance Studies at the George Ewart Evans Centre for Storytelling University South Wales. It is supported by the Faculty of Creative Industries and PRIME Centre Wales, and is governed by a core group of academics, policy makers, and practitioners from the VAWDASV sector in Wales. It will also be supported by a dedicated member of staff from the Wales Violence Prevention Unit at Public Health Wales.

The aim is to develop an inclusive research community for Wales that provides a safe, open forum to bring together those who are working towards an end to VAWDASV to set the future research agenda, foster collaboration and develop grant applications, undertake high quality research, and work towards the elimination of VAWDASV.  

Dr Emily Underwood-Lee said: “We aim to align all of our activities with the policy landscape of Wales, for example the landmark Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Act (Wales) Act 2015, The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014, and The Well-Being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015.

“By determining and understanding the research and practice priorities for Wales, we can share knowledge and expertise, ensuring that the network is accessible and inclusive, and develop future partnership working across the UK and internationally.”

Dr Sarah Wallace added: “The VAWDASV research network Wales is an exciting and valuable opportunity for inclusive partnership working, to develop and undertake research that works towards an end to VAWDASV.”

The VAWDASV Research Network Wales will be officially launched on 25 November at USW’s Cardiff Campus, which will also mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

The event will take place from 12noon – 2.30pm and will include keynote speeches from Jane Hutt MS, the Minister for Social Justice, as well as a panel discussion covering key topics in the area of VAWDASV. MA Drama students from USW will also perform a poetry recital as part of the launch.

The panel discussion will be chaired by Dr Emily Underwood-Lee, with panellists including:

• Nancy Lidubwi, Violence Against Women Policy Officer, BAWSO
• Lara Snowden, Violence Prevention Programme Lead, Public Health Wales
• Debbie Woodroffe, Head of Training and Research, New Pathways
• Tina Rees, Head of Services and Survivor Engagement, Welsh Women’s Aid

Connect with the VAWDASV Research Network via Twitter @VAWDASVWales for more information on its research activities.