Research the effectiveness of services provided to address domestic abuse or sexual violence

This standard is about you undertaking research into the effectiveness of the services provided by your organisation towards addressing domestic abuse or sexual violence. It includes agreeing objectives for the research, identifying appropriate methods and analysing the outcomes. As part of this standard, you may be required to research the effectiveness of services provided by other organisations where appropriate.
The research you undertake will include seeking the views of individuals affected by domestic abuse or sexual violence, which will need to be undertaken with sensitivity to the needs of individuals as well as meeting your organisation’s policies and procedures and regulatory requirements.

1. explore the need, purpose and requirements for research activities with others
2. identify and gather required information which forms proposed research activities
3. identify requirements for proposed research including:
• timescale
• resources
• budget
4. implement processes for obtaining information and feedback from others which meets agreed research needs
5. communicate with others in ways which helps achieve the desired outcomes of the research and is appropriate for the respondents involved
6. monitor research activities and progress against agreed plans, budgets and associated objectives
7. identify variances to agreed research plans and budget and take steps to address these in line with your role and responsibilities
8. collate and assess feedback from others as required to inform research activities and requirements
9. identify trends and patterns which can inform the provision of future services in line with research methods
10. articulate any assumptions made and risks involved when analysing data in line with organisational policies and procedures
11. identify actions to respond to feedback from others which enhances your organisation's ability to meet stakeholder requirements
12. present ideas and information in ways that promote understanding by others
13. maintain up to date records of analysis in line with organisational policies and procedures
14. inform others of analysis results using formats which meet their needs and is suitable for the information being given
15. take steps to ensure others involved comply with requirements during research activities

1. legal, organisational and policy requirements relevant to your role, the role of others in your organisation and the activities being carried out.
2. the relevant national and local guidelines, policies, and procedures available and how and when they should be accessed.
3. range of agencies and services you may work with
4. how the services of other agencies and organisations relate to those provided by your own organisation
5. what constitutes domestic abuse and sexual violence and its prevalence in your local community.
6. the importance of complying with relevant legal and ethical requirements relating to researching amongst stakeholders, including individuals.
7. types and sources of information which can facilitate effective decision making and action planning in providing services for individuals affected by domestic abuse or sexual violence
8. methods of obtaining feedback from individuals and other stakeholders
9. strengths and limitations of different methods to obtain feedback
10. research methods and techniques
11. how to identify trends and patterns
12. the importance of ensuring that those involved in the research understand their roles, responsibilities and methods to achieve this
13. how to select communication techniques which are appropriate for different respondents and meet the requirements of the research project
14. the importance of ensuring objectivity when evaluating feedback
15. factors to consider when assessing the validity of feedback
16. how to analyse the interests of those providing feedback including the implications for feedback provided
17. different styles and forms of communication and how to adapt them to meet the needs of the individual
18. common barriers to communication and ways to overcome them
19. the importance of being aware of your own values and beliefs and the impact your own values and beliefs have when working with individuals.

Domestic Abuse
Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality.
The abuse can encompass but is not limited to, a combination of psychological, physical, sexual, financial and emotional abuse.
This definition also includes so-called ‘honour’ based violence, female genital mutilation (FGM) and forced marriage. Children also experience domestic abuse when witnessing domestic abuse.
Intersectionality
The interconnected nature of social categorisations such as race, class, and gender, regarded as creating overlapping and interdependent systems of discrimination or disadvantage
Needs led approach
a way of working to ensure that the support offered to someone experiencing domestic abuse is offered based on their needs and that builds on their strengths and resources available to them. It recognises the knowledge they have of the person who is using abuse. With the rights the non-abusive person can build their independence, recover from the trauma they have experienced and gain their life back and source change that lasts
People at risk
An individual who is defined as in need of special care, support, or protection because of age, disability, risk of abuse or neglect
Sexual Abuse
Undesired sexual behaviour by one person to another. This is often carried out by force or be taking advantage of the other person This term is generally used when the sexual behaviour is regular or over a prolonged period of time.
Sexual Assault
Any unwanted sexual behaviour that a person has not consented to.
This can range from rape to voyeurism or exhibitionism, to unwanted touching above or under clothes.
Sexual Violence
Similar in nature to Sexual Abuse, but this term is more often used to describe brief or single incidences, such as if sexually assaulted by a stranger.
Strength based approach
Is an approach to working with individuals that recognises their strength to overcome their experiences
Trauma Informed
an approach to health and care interventions which is grounded in the understanding that trauma exposure can impact on a person. Practitioners in a way so as to not inadvertently retraumatise impacted individuals; and with an emphasis on client safety, choice, collaboration and empowerment.