Gender of domestic abuse perpetrators

Previous research involving Northumbria police data (Hester, 2006; Hester, Westmarland, Gangoli, Wilkinson, O’Kelly, Kent, & Diamond, 2006) identified 60 individuals (men and women) recorded on the database as both victim and perpetrator of domestic abuse, and other incidents where men are recorded as victims and women recorded as perpetrators. The current research project will carry out an in-depth qualitative analysis of these cases, with the aim of developing detailed knowledge and understanding of how male victims and perpetrators may be compared and contrasted with female victims and perpetrators - for instance, with regard to the types of incidents involved, number of incidents, and the presentation and recording of the relevant cases. The research will feed into the practice of criminal justice and other agencies working with domestic abuse.

Funded by Northern Rock Foundation.