NCJ Number
201287
Date Published
2003
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This videocassette examines the importance of building effective collaborative research projects to intervene in, prevent, and better serve victims of violence against women.
Abstract
Participation among three groups is the key to conducting successful research in the area of violence against women; collaborations must exist between researchers, victim assistance professionals, and survivors of violence. The presentation contained in the videocassette utilizes a panel of researchers, educators, and service providers to examine various aspects concerning the merit of research and its value for survivors of violence and victim assistance professionals. The panel of experts discussed their viewpoints and experiences, especially in terms of the importance and value of research, barriers to successful collaborations, problems with students conducting research, ethical and cultural diversity issues, and the importance of feedback; they also made recommendations for improvements. In terms of the benefits of research the panel participants discussed the fact that researchers help them identify program strategies and program improvements that help practitioners better serve survivors of violence. Barriers to successful collaborations between the three key groups often exist and are exacerbated when practitioners and researchers do not share the same goals and objectives. Ethical concerns regarding the confidentiality and safety of the victims is also a concern when conducting research with survivors of violence. These ethical concerns may be made worse when inexperienced or ill supervised graduate students attempt to conduct research utilizing survivors of violence. The panel suggested that student researchers volunteer their time to help victims before research begins and that the students treat the survivors of violence as partners in research, not as merely subjects of research. Other topics discussed include the importance of integrating diverse cultural viewpoints into the research, the importance of clearly stating research goals and objectives, the importance of conducting research that is relevant to the lives and survival of victims of violence, and the importance of disseminating research findings in a timely manner. A Discussion Guide is provided with the videocassette to help facilitate discussion after viewing the panel discussion; the guide contains the main points discussed on the videocassette.