Social isolation and loneliness as factors maintaining domestic violence

Background

Isolating victims from support systems is a common tactic of domestic violence, yet we know very little about a key psychological consequence of this: loneliness. Early research has identified loneliness as a factor in victim-survivor decisions to stay in violent relationships and to return after escape.

Aim

This project aims to understand loneliness as a feature of domestic violence and its long-term impacts on victim-survivors using a mixed methods approach.

Methods

This project will include collection of repeated measures and qualitative data with victim-survivors and service workers.

Significance

This research is expected to have direct policy impact working to further the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022–2032.

Funding Body

Australian Research Council

Funding Budget

$408,416

Project start date

February 2024

Expected completion date

January 2027