Using data and technology to support female survivors of domestic violence and abuse

Question: What has been the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on experiences of domestic violence and abuse (DVA) survivors, and how can we design the most appropriate solution to support survivors (or those at risk) remotely?

Background: The global public health measures aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19 have led to a “shadow pandemic” of DVA. UK DVA charities and police forces have reported increased use of services. The stay-at-home measures have led to DVA support services using remote approaches.

Recently published systematic reviews have identified few remote services have been evaluated and fewer yet have been co-produced with survivors.

Aims, objectives and methods: WP1 Identify the components of a successful remote solution for DVA Semi-structured interviews will be conducted with 30-35 recruited survivors of DVA.

The purpose of the interviews will be to identify opinions on the requirements of a successful remote solution which either prevents, identifies, or aids in the management of DVA once experienced.

WP2 Mapping exercise to summarise existing remote solutions for DVA A systematic mapping exercise will be undertaken to identify all existing remote solutions for DVA in the UK as well as their existing evidence base. The interventions will be quality assessed and documented in an evidence-based guidebook.

WP3 Modified DELPHI to identify the most suitable existing remote solution for DVA WP1 and WP2 will feed into WP3 by providing insight on the subjective (survivors opinions) needs of survivors and existing evidence based on remote solutions respectively.

This information will inform a modified DELPHI exercise involving survivors, intervention providers and commissioners to rank the pre-existing remote solutions to identify the most suitable.

WP4 Preparation of an evaluation for the selected solution We will work closely with the intervention providers of the selected solution in WP3 to plan a detailed impact, process and economic evaluation.

Timeline: 15 months Impact and dissemination: The project will identify the unmet needs of DVA survivors during the pandemic.

Dissemination activities will be facilitated with the support of our expert by experience co-investigator, PPI advisory group and Women s Aid (co-investigator).

Dissemination will include: published and conference presented outputs, policy briefing, press releases, survivor and provider websites and letters to commissioners.