Engaging students in learning and research, and making our students co-producers of research is very important for us in Sociology. Dr Em Temple-Malt (Lecturer in Sociology, Criminology and Terrorism) and L6 student Alison Briggs (BA Hons Sociology) will be presenting findings from the Breaking the Cycle of Domestic Violence Project at the British Sociological Association (BSA) conference held at University of Manchester.

The paper, titled “Facing Uncomfortable Truths about domestic violence: being pro-perpetrator to be pro-victim”, will be delivered in the Rights, Violence and Crime stream on the 5^th April 2017.

In their paper, Em and Alison acknowledge that significant investment and provision has been made for victims fleeing domestic abuse. It may be unpopular to say, but they argue that this approach is not effective in reducing amounts of domestic violence given current statistics stubbornly remain at 1 in 4 women experiencing domestic violence and around two women a week continuing to die at the hands of abusive or ex partners. Moreover, high proportions of those fleeing abuse return to or form new, unhealthy and violent relationships. Turning attention towards the perpetrators of domestic violence there are also concerns about the effectiveness of interventions being used to reduce and eliminate offending behaviour. Their paper presents findings from a recent study that explores improvements that could be made to domestic violence services that are presently being commissioned in Stoke on Trent. Following 16 interviews (professionals who work with either perpetrators or victims of domestic violence and perpetrators involved in rehabilitative programmes) they call for greater investment to be made into addressing root causes to perpetrator offending behaviour. Specifically they recommend setting up psychological services for perpetrators of domestic violence where there are mental health issues and/or past unresolved trauma from historical child abuse. They also found that more preventative work is advisable to educate children on how to conduct healthy relationships. Em’s and Alison’s research challenges inequalities within current provision that are heteronormative and indicate signs of institutional racism. Improving male perpetrator services and healthy relationship education for children are more likely to effectively reduce domestic violence offending and victim rates.

On Friday 23rd, thirty professionals from policing, social work and offender intervention programme came to Staffordshire University to take part in experimental research undertaken by the third year students. This project was designed and delivered by Em Temple-Malt and Sarah Page of the newly established Staffordshire University Crime and Society Research Group.

The day began with a short presentation on the key findings from a study carried out in the summer of 2016 which focused on improvements that could be made to services for perpetrators of domestic abuse on behalf of Public Health commissioners from The Safer City Partnership. It involved speaking to a range of professionals (who work with victims of domestic abuse and perpetrators of domestic abuse), with perpetrators of domestic abuse, who at the time of the interviews were engaged in educational and rehabilitative programmes in Stoke on Trent that are aimed at giving them skills to change their behaviour and helping them to learn how to have ‘healthy’ relationships.

The group produced 32 recommendations that they felt could inform alterations to strategies and service provision designed to reduce domestic abuse offending, and then produced a play expressing some of their findings.
Some of the scenes were ‘forumed’, and the audience had the opportunity to point out moments in the perpetrator’s journey where others the perpetrator encounters, could meaningfully intervene or change how they respond to his behaviour. The actors incorporated these suggestions into their scenes in ways that generated intense discussion.

“This experience has been invaluable as it has given me a confidence I didn’t have before. I now feel ready to act, research and report like a professional sociologist. Talking ideas with career professionals now comes naturally and I can’t wait to do it again” Daniel Gill

The Domestic Abuse event (what I saw of it in the morning) was interesting to be because it made me realise that sociological research can really make a difference in individual’s lives to an extent I perhaps did not realise before. Seeing all the professionals come together to brainstorm ideas was so powerful and it gave me hope that a difference can one day be made. Rosie Brindle-Wilkinson

“It was an amazing experience to participate in this fascinating research project from start to finish. I am extremely grateful to have been given the opportunity to join with my academic peers and mentors in seeing our summer research come to life in such an impactful way, the drama was to such a high standard that it did not fall short of being powerful, thought-provoking and all round amazing, it is a piece of art that can definitely change ideas and perceptions.” –Alex Robinson

“An invaluable opportunity to be part of the research process. “This event was the culmination of our research over the summer and I got a real buzz from seeing how the findings were interpreted and captured by Paul and the drama students. It was fascinating to see how the audience interacted with the forum theatre piece and to see a world cafe in action” Alison

“A great opportunity to be involved in discussions with local organisations about the research findings and possible changes that could be made as a result of the research.The forum theatre was a powerful and captivating tool to use to tell a story of domestic abuse and to also involve audience members and stimulate discussions.An all round amazing, thought provoking and memorable day. “Joni

It was wonderful to have BA (Hons) Sociology graduating class of 2016 and winner of last year’s University wide Vice Chancellor’s Award Desiree Elliot back on campus this week to share her story with over 600 staff and students about her time with us here at Staffs. You can watch and listen to Desiree’s story here: https://youtu.be/6CZ8pOyRw88

Hi Kyla thanks for speaking with us today. So, please tell us all about the Student Assembly Against Austerity here at Staffordshire University

The movement here is part of a wider national movement stemming from the student wing of the People’s Assembly Against Austerity and there are many branches at different University’s across the country. It is primarily concerned with the rising cost of education and student debt however, they are also concerned with the wider issue of austerity and social injustices more broadly speaking. We’ve been on many national demonstrations, most recently we all gathered in London for the ‘United for Education’ demo which brought together a diverse set of students and workers from the Higher Education sector. I have been involved in activism for many years but this particular movement came about through speaking with fellow students here at the university who also had a shared passion for these issues.

I understand there are a lot of links between what you are doing with the assembly and your degree course in Sociology, Criminology and Deviance perhaps you could tell us some more

Reflecting from a personal perspective, activism with the Student Assembly is giving me and others complimentary experiential learning that enriches and enhances classroom experiences, such as lectures and seminars. In class we discuss contemporary issues, like those you see on the news all the time, such as the housing crisis, discrimination, corruption in powerful institutions, war and conflict and that’s just a few examples off the top of my head – there are many more. In addition to this, through our student led Sociology and Criminology Society we’ve been able to foster links with wider activist groups and secure some amazing guest speakers from a wide variety of campaigns that also seek to challenge inequalities and injustice.

So what next for the Student Assembly?

We plan to keep on expanding and coordinating with the national group to raise awareness of some of the most pressing issues facing students (and wider society) today. We work for students up and down the country both ‘home’ and international students inclusively. We are also looking to make a film about all these issues and we have a joint project with the Sociology and Criminology Society that will include a free screening of the film I, Daniel Blake with guest speakers.

Thank you Kyla, if people want to know more about the Student Assembly or how to get involved where can they go?

Absolutely! you can find us on Facebook by searching for Staffs Student Assembly Against Austerity.

Kyla Lawton is a second year undergraduate studying BA (Hons) Sociology, Crime and Devianceand co-coordinator of the Sociology and Criminology Society at Staffordshire University.