Changing the Narrative of Domestic Abuse

Creating Opportunities through Innovation Fellowships (COLIF)

Rebecca Shaw (School of Law, University of Leeds)

A 2022 Women’s Aid Survey of UK attitudes to domestic abuse revealed the persistent presence of dominant socio-cultural narratives which enable and excuse domestic abuse. In seeking to better understand the power and persistence of these narratives, Dr Rebecca Shaw carried out research with domestic abuse service providers in Leeds and York to assess their perceptions of these harmful narratives. Working in partnership with Leeds Women’s Aid, Behind Closed Doors, Foundations +Choices and Fresh Futures, specialist domestic abuse support workers (for both victims and perpetrators) identified the persistence presence of narratives that perpetuate harmful myths, stereotypes and biases of domestic abuse, revealing that there is still significant work to be done in terms of changing the narrative of domestic abuse. Furthermore, all participants cited the significance of these narratives in driving a continued lack of understanding about domestic abuse, which in turn creates barriers to support and impacts service provisions. Participants concluded that to change perceptions of domestic abuse, educating children is key.

At a local and regional level, both Leeds City Council and West Yorkshire Combined Authority have acknowledged the importance of tackling domestic abuse. However, there is work to be done in embedding an understanding of these harmful narratives, and their power, within educational resources to produce the cultural movement that is required for tackling domestic abuse in the Leeds and wider West Yorkshire area. This Fellowship, therefore, will provide the opportunity for Dr Shaw to work alongside local and regional government, schools, third sector organisations and West Yorkshire Police to establish a ‘Changing the Narrative’ working group, with the aim of assessing current educational resources for school children and identify gaps in provision. Additionally, the Fellowship will facilitate the collaboration between partners in the working group and those with lived experience of domestic abuse to develop a funding proposal for a ‘joined up’ cultural programme, and accompanying hub, aimed at young children to improve understanding and change the narrative of domestic abuse. There is an urgent need to begin conversations with children regarding domestic abuse in order to change the discourse and facilitate an attitudinal and cultural change, and this Fellowship will allow for the opportunity to forge that local and regional level policy required to underpin that change.