Flinders University researchers are seeking input from the public to gain a clearer picture of how children and young people with disabilities experience domestic and family violence (DFV).
The project aims to improve our understanding of what impact DFV has on this poorly represented group and how well they are supported, to inform policy and practice and better meet their needs and wishes.
Researchers from Flinders University Disability and Community Inclusion, University of South Australia Centre for Child Protection and UNSW Social Policy Research Centre are conducting the project, with funding from Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women (ANROWS).
Alongside capturing the priorities of young people and those who support them, the 18-month project is scoping and mapping the prevalence of DFV among children and young people with disability to help improve long-term outcomes.
The project is led by Professor Sally Robinson, Professor in Disability and Community Inclusion at Flinders University. She says the research team are seeking to interview young people with disability 12 years of age and over, as well as family members and service providers.
“We are keen to hear their experiences, ideas and priorities for improving how services can support children and young people who experience DFV.”
Professor Robinson says the project demonstrates why it’s a shared responsibility to better support children and young people who experience domestic violence.
“We know children and young people with disability are more likely to experience violence and abuse but for many reasons we have not been able to provide an accurate picture of how or why. This project is developing a new and important part of this picture.”
The research team has expertise in working with children and young people with disability and their families, with a commitment to ensuring that their involvement is safe.
Ultimately, the results of the project will bring people together to find out how policies and systems can be more responsive to young people’s priorities.
If you would like to know more about the project or get involved, please contact either Professor Sally Robinson sally.robinson@flinders.edu.au or (08) 7421 9845, or Dr Amy Marshall amy.marshall@flinders.edu.au or (08) 8201 7822.