Domestic Violence
Data Collection and Use
Programme Item
Workshop 2
"Data Collection and Use"
Ann Hipkiss and Judith Gibson (Cheshire Domestic Abuse Partnership (CDAP) Data Project)
Key points from the presentation:
The Data Monitoring Project is part of a wider CDAP strategy (funded by the Home Office Crime Prevention Strategy; Violence Against Women), including police interventions, and outreach services
The project aims to: measure the prevalence and impact of domestic violence; evaluate CDAP interventions; inform strategic plans; and, inform practice development
Confidentiality and information sharing issues have been tackled by having a data sharing protocol in place from the start, and using a "client code" which protects anonymity and prevents double counting
Data collection methods include: a paper based short form for frontline staff; extended monitoring form for women's refuges; and, electronic data exchange with Cheshire Police
Multi-agency involvement is encouraged via a website, training and feedback
Key points from the discussion:
Police data can be difficult to obtain and can be inconsistent and/or inaccurate
Lack of funding and resources
Information sharing can present problems, highlighting the need for consistent and robust data sharing protocols
Good data collection and analysis is extremely important within a domestic violence strategy and in developing interventions however, there needs to be flexibility and adaptability
It is vital to engage with a wide range of agencies and encourage involvement
Bassetlaw (North Nottinghamshire) is seen as a pilot for domestic violence data collection in England
Last update: 18 January 2005