A team of researchers from the Universities at Bristol and Oxford are developing an on-line information resource about women’s experiences of domestic violence and abuse. This will be part of the healthtalk.org website.

We plan to listen to women’s stories to increase our understanding of the impact of domestic violence and abuse on women's lives and health.  We want to find out how easy or difficult it is for women to access information and support from family, friends and professionals, whether they choose to stay or to leave the relationship.  What help was useful and what wasn't.  We hope this research will be useful not only for those experiencing  domestic violence and abuse but also will help to educate health and social care professionals.

The Healthtalk website is run by DIPEx, which is a registered charity number 1087019 and a company limited by guarantee, company number 04178865, whose registered office is at PO Box 428 Witney Oxfordshire OX28 9EU.

We will first talk to you over the telephone at a suitable time to give you more information about the project and answer any questions that you have. After talking to us you can decide whether you would like to take part in an interview with a female researcher (Maggie or Emma) to share your experiences of domestic violence and abuse. The interview, which will last between 1.5-2 hours, will take place in a safe location. With your permission, we may audio-record or video the interview. However, it is completely up to you whether a video, audio or anonymous written version of your interview is included on the website and you may change your mind at any time. It is important to us that we present your story in a safe way.

Any travel costs will be paid and you will receive a small gift voucher as a ‘thank you’ for taking part.

How can I find out more about taking part?