Using research and innovative technology to prevent domestic violence

Using research and innovative technology to prevent genderbased violence

One in three women and girls experience physical or sexual violence in their life time. Genderbased violence (GBV) extends beyond national and socio-cultural boundaries, affecting people of all ages, ethnicities and economic backgrounds. It is a world-wide issue; one repeatedly highlighted as a global crisis.

Professor Adele Jones – Director of the None in Three Research Centre

The None in Three Research Centre for the Prevention of Gender-based Violence, within the School of Human and Health Sciences, aims to turn the tide on this global problem. Research reveals that GBV is associated with deep-rooted patriarchal beliefs, unequal gender relations and attitudes which promote violence acceptance and normalisation. These attitudes are transmitted to young people which can lead to intergenerational cycles of violence.

Confronting negative attitudes

None in Three research confronts negative gendered attitudes, increases awareness of GBV and aims to empower victims and others in disrupting patterns of violence.

Qualitative research has so far been conducted with survivors and perpetrators of GBV in five countries. Findings have highlighted the significance of intergenerational violence, coercive control, socio-culturally inscribed gender stereotypes, the extent and impact of physical, sexual and psychological abuse, the impact on children, escalatory patterns, and barriers preventing victims from seeking help.

A child’s point of view

Research has also been carried out with more than 30,000 children aged 10-18 years. Much of this data is still being analysed, but in Barbados and Grenada, boys reported higher rates of sexual, emotional and physical abuse than previously understood. Those exposed to multiple forms of violence were more accepting of domestic violence against females and showed reduced empathic capacity.

The importance of prevention

The findings call for a focus on prevention, improving access to justice for survivors, enhancing policy and practice, facilitating perpetrator accountability and engaging men and youth.

In the Caribbean, the research has already led to attitude change and development of new knowledge and skills for social workers, health professionals, criminal justice workers and civil society organisations. It has influenced public policy and improved practice with children impacted by violence. Policy briefing and public engagement activity aims to ensure similar real world impact in the other study countries.

Pro-social gaming

The research findings are also used to create educational and culturally appropriate video games. From the research, plot, narrative, dialogue, environment and characterisation are derived, ensuring authenticity and relatability. JESSE, the first game developed, is an educational intervention which raises awareness of domestic violence and seeks to change the attitudes and behaviours that contribute to it. Developed in Barbados and Grenada, it was subsequently rolled out to schools in St Lucia. Four more games will be delivered by the Centre for its other study countries in 2021, with wraparound curricular materials to help schools address the difficult but essential GBV related topics in an immersive and engaging way, with young people.

School uniform work in progress

The None in Three Research Centre

With a multi-disciplinary team of national and international experts and partnerships around the globe, the Centre is conducting research and developing pro-social video game interventions in India, Jamaica, Uganda, the UK and Brazil, thanks to funding from the EU, the UK Government’s Global Challenges Research Fund, the University of Huddersfield and UNICEF’s End Violence Against Children Fund.

Police Officer character

For more information on the research in this article visit: www.noneinthree.org