EXTERNALLY-FUNDED RESEARCH PROJECTS

Using Law and Leaving Domestic Violence: Women’s Stories

One in three Australian women experience domestic violence. This research will increase our understanding of the role of law in assisting women of diverse backgrounds to live a life free of violence.

Domestic violence severely damages communities across the globe and law is recognised as a key mechanism for prevention and redress. This project will undertake a longitudinal study examining how women of diverse backgrounds use law to help them live a life free of violence. The project will investigate what influences women’s decisions to choose particular legal interventions but not others, and will identify any unintended consequences flowing from legal engagement. The project will highlight what contributes to women’s satisfaction and sense of safety resulting from legal interventions over time, to make an important contribution to community education, policy implementation and law reform, both within Australia and internationally.

Project contact
Prof Heather Douglas
The University of Queensland

Funding Body
Australian Research Council Future Fellowship FT140100796

Project start & End Dates
January 2015 – December 2018