| dc.description.abstract | This study is a response to the recent global re-framing of domestic violence as a preventable social problem, calling for prevention-oriented efforts throughout the different levels of our societies, or social ecology. This research investigates if existing responses to domestic violence currently occur throughout social ecologies, and to what extent efforts are prevention oriented. This is achieved through the undertaking of a case study of a particular community in Scotland, and the broader social ecology of which the community is a part. Through a collaborative investigation with expert community members, the study explores how domestic violence is responded to throughout this social ecology. Over 90 responses to domestic violence were identified and are discussed. Each response was found to operate in one of six major ‘sectors’ of response, Governmental, Non-Governmental, Criminal Justice, Health, Housing or Social Services. Most responses stemmed from the Governmental and Criminal Justice sectors. Prevention of domestic violence was found to be a key objective of the existing responses, but few, in practice, were primary prevention efforts. The perspectives of key stakeholders on the existing efforts are engaged throughout. Local community efforts to respond to domestic violence were found to be an asset throughout the social ecology, and are presented as a model. Key findings include the invisibility of men across efforts to tackle domestic violence, the benefit of engaging the expertise of those who have experienced domestic violence, and the need for responses to more realistically meet the needs of those living with violence. | |
