EXTERNALLY FUNDED RESEARCH PROJECTS
Finding Metis
Background
"Finding Metis" is a research project on the lived experiences of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) women of coercive control, intimate abuse and family violence in Western Australia. The book will map the stories of resistance, survival, resilience and resourcefulness of victims and survivors of intimate abuse and violence and coercive control. This is an under-studied and -explored area within the current literature. Various research shows the need for greater cultural awareness in service providers as women from CALD communities continue to experience higher rates of intimate abuse and coercive control and more barriers to support services than non-CALD women.
Aim
The primary aim of the project is to bring together and present culturally diverse women’s stories, voices and lived experiences of resistance, survival and resilience through intimate abuse and family violence. The project aims to better inform how we as a community can create a safe environment for women and children regardless of their backgrounds. This study also has the potential to inform service providers, policymakers, educators and researchers who work in the field of intimate abuse and family and domestic violence so that they can better respond to the experiences and needs of women and families from CALD backgrounds.
Methods
The research methodology utilised is a qualitative narrative inquiry approach informed by a feminist research methodology. I will be conducting one-on-one, face-to-face interviews with around 20 women (aged 18 years and over) who have experienced coercive control, intimate abuse and family violence from CALD backgrounds, and five focus groups with selected interview participants who choose to participate.