Enhancing children's involvement in, and influence over, domestic abuse and family violence knowledge creation through trauma-informed approaches to research

Abstract

Purpose In this commentary, we explore how a trauma-informed approach to research can help address some of the drivers behind the continued marginalisation of children’s voices in domestic abuse and family violence research, as noted by numerous contributors to this special issue. We focus particularly on how such an approach can help reframe and start to address the safety and wellbeing concerns that are frequently cited as reasons for denying children their Article 12 UNCRC right to have a say about matters than affect them, within trauma-focused research contexts. Method We include examples of practical research strategies, drawing on the authors’ cumulative body of published research and other research reported on in this special issue. Results We identify practical research strategies that can support increased awareness of, and responsiveness to, the potential presence and impacts of trauma in research, in a way that integrates realisation of children’s participation and protection rights. We do so primarily in relation to children’s involvement in research as research participants but conclude with an exploration of the conceptual and practical alignment of trauma-informed and participatory approaches to research. Conclusion We contend that the application of a trauma-informed approach to research can help create safer and more meaningful opportunities for children to be involved in, and influence, domestic abuse and family violence knowledge creation.