A RETROSPECTIVE AUDIT OF THE EXTENT AND NATURE OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CASES IDENTIFIED IN NORTHERN IRELAND

A retrospective audit of the extent and nature of domestic violence cases identified in Northern Ireland



A retrospective audit of the extent and nature of domestic violence cases identified in Northern Ireland

1. Introduction

Domestic violence is seen as a world wide problem with the United Nations 4th World Conference on Women in 1995 concluding that domestic violence may be an area of importance. A world health organization (WHO) report of violence and health undertook a review of 35 countries and revealed that between 10% and 52% of women reported physical abuse from an intimate partner, while 10-30% reported sexual violence from an intimate partner. A Council of Europe analysis of 10 domestic violence prevalence studies noted that 1 in 4 women experienced domestic violence in their lifetimes and 6-10% suffered domestic violence in any given year.

In the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, domestic violence has been identified as a priority issue with an interdepartmental, interagency, statutory and voluntary agency response. The PSNI, as part of this response, have a role in dealing with and recording domestic violence incidents within the criminal justice system. The police service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) statistical reports revealed an increase in domestic violence offences recorded in Northern Ireland, from 8565 in 2003/04 to 10,768 in 2005/06. The combined Coleraine and Limavady DCU statistics recorded an increase of 29% from 526 (2003/04) to 676 (2005/06) domestic violence offences recorded.

Both DCUs are situated on the North Coast of Northern Ireland. Coleraine PSNI station is the main custody suite for this region, dealing with victims and offenders from this extended area of North Antrim/East Londonderry. Limavady is a busy market town in County Londonderry, 14 miles west of Coleraine, with a borough population of 34,000. It has a smaller custody suite than Coleraine.

2. Aims and methods

The aims of the study will be as follows:

To undertake a retrospective audit of the number of cases involving domestic violence that will be recorded over a three year period and the nature of these cases, as seen by Forensic medical officers (FMOs) providing cover for the Coleraine and Limavady DCU of the PSNI.

2.1. Data collection

FMOs that provided forensic medical service over the time period assessed will be contacted verbally and in writing. Consent may be subsequently obtained to review their case notes. Reviews of each of the FMO notes from April 1st 2003 to March 31st 2006 for all contacts seen will be undertaken. All cases that will be documented as being domestic violence in nature or involved family members or intimate partners, current and ex intimate partners will be included in this study.

A structured pro forma for gathering information may be completed. This included demographic information on the age, sex, influence of alcohol and/or drugs. The patients will be classified as a victim or an assailant as per the FMOs notes, the relationship between the victim/assailant, the location where they will be initially assessed and the nature and ...