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If The Respondent Answered Yes To All Questions Then They Were Said To Have ...


If the respondent answered yes to all questions then they were said to have suffered a prolonged period of domestic violence. In order to investigate the effects of domestic violence on adolescents a questionnaire was devised for teenagers (see Appendix 1) and 20 were handed out at a youth centre in Hammersmith to be filled out anonymously. The forms were then collected at the end of the day.
The second section of primary research was designed to be more specific. It was decided to approach an association specifically setup for women who have suffered domestic violence, which is actively involved in policy work in the UK. The chairwoman was approached and asked whether she could arrange for a sample - preferably those with family in a black community - who would consider completing a questionnaire for a research study on domestic violence and its effects on young people and children. The chairwoman gave the researcher four names and email addresses of people who were willing to be contacted. However, the respondents and the association were to remain anonymous for reasons of confidentiality and security. The respondents used pseudonyms for their responses.
As the sample was small, yet relevant, it was decided to use a more lengthy questionnaire, and interview the four subjects in more depth about their experience. Aside from the emotional effects, questions were designed to explore how domestic violence can be detrimental to learning and health. (see Appendix 2).
Organisations and Government Policy
There are many voluntary organisations such as Shelter, which provide counselling and places of refuge for women and children suffering domestic violence. Beneath are listed other services in the Hammersmith and Fulham area:
Refuge provides a Freephone 24-hour National Domestic Violence Helpline
Community efforts, such as the ‘Peace Week.'
The protection from Harassment Act 1997
Prosecutions from the Criminal Justice Act 1998 where the victim need not appear in court, but her statement used instead.
Developing police strategy for collecting evidence at the scene (Home Office 2000).
What happens to children in cases of Domestic Violence?
The aftermath of domestic problems can be as damaging as the incidents or episodes themselves. Children can be present during an arrest of a parent, witness a parent breaking restraining orders and their reactions to court decisions. In these situations children can be used as pawns or in worst cases even be taken as hostages. (Devoe and Smith, 2002). In a qualitative study on the effects of domestic violence on children, McGee's (2000) study, along with other research, revealed that:
Children do not have to experience physical abuse to experience long-term negative effects of living where extreme controlling behaviour and abuse are the norm.


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