Our Research

We research the health effects of domestic violence and abuse and the health sector identification and response needed to improve the safety, health and well-being of families.

We work on current gaps in evidence, giving priority to populations often excluded or overlooked in domestic violence research. Our research strengthens the evidence-base for novel face-to-face and technological tools for early engagement (or early intervention).

How our research interconnects

We are utilising mixed methods and participatory co-design to develop tailored responses in health services to different types of abuse, levels of severity, family contexts and resiliency factors.

• In Program A, we are drawing on established longitudinal cohorts (mother/child, Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander families, and men) to examine underlying dynamics of all forms of intimate partner violence and resilience to inform early intervention development.

• In Program B, underpinned by systematic reviews by our Centre, we are developing and testing new early early engagement health systems models tailored to all family members; 

•  In Program C, we are trialing therapeutic child parent/carer engagement in family services to enable referrals from a strengthened health system.

We are working to bridge the translational gap between evidence-based engagement and clinical practice through our collaborations and our extensive experience of training practitioners and implementing health service engagement.