Christine Carney Social Science Research Proposal

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A qualitative analysis on perceptions of domestic violence victims and the

effectiveness of sentencing

SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH METHODS

Christine Carney

1PERCEPTIONS OF SENTENCING EFFECTIVENESS

Table of ContentsIntroduction 2

Research question and proposed methodology 2

Keywords 2

Literature Review 3

Policing Domestic Violence 3

Magistrates Views on Domestic Violence 4

Public Perceptions on Domestic Violence ………………………………………………………………………..5

Offender Perceptions ………………………………………………………………………………………………………6

Victim Views ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………7

Research Question ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………8

Aims and Objectives ………………………………………………………………………………………………………..8

Research Design, Justification & Data Collection Instruments ……………………………………………………9

Recruitment of the Sample ….………………………………………………………………………………………..10

Selection Criteria for Inclusion in Proposed Research ……………………………………………….11

Research Site ………………………………………………………………………………………………………….11

Data Collection Methods ……………………………………………………………………………………..12

Ethical Considerations ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….12

Proposed Timeframe for Implementation………………………………………………………………………………….13

References …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………15

Bibliography ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………19

Appendix …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..21

Proposed Project Timetable ………………………………………………………………………………………….21

Proposed Coding Guideline ………………………………………………………………………………………..22

Proposed Interview Guide………………………………………………………………………………..24

Christine Carney 3012CCJ Assessment ThreeS1762622 Social Science Research Methods Due Date: 26 May 2015


Research Question: What are the perceptions of Indigenous and Non-Indigenous victims

of domestic violence in Logan regarding the effectiveness of sentencing for domestic

violence offences?

The proposed research project will utilise a qualitative approach with thematic

analysis to ascertain the perceptions of victims of domestic violence regarding the

effectiveness of sentencing for domestic violence offenders.

Keywords: domestic violence, crime, sentencing, attitudes, views, perceptions,

effectiveness

1. Introduction

In the last several years the issue of domestic violence has been brought to the

forefront of political and social debates in Australia. Media reports of women being killed

by abusive current and former partners have highlighted the breadth of domestic violence

within the community. Headlines such as At least 34 Australians have died as a result of

domestic violence already in 2015 (ABC, 18 May, 2015), and Time to end horror of

domestic violence (Daily Telegraph, April 6, 2015) greet the public each and every day.

The Australian government is so concerned about domestic violence it has pledged

additional funding for a domestic and sexual violence helpline and enlisted Dame Quentin

Bryce to head a Queensland Task Force to combat domestic violence in the State (MENA,

2014). In addition, Victoria has just introduced a family violence index to determine the

extent of the problem within that State (Media Release, Premier of Victoria, 17 May,

2015).

Domestic violence ruins the lives of those directly impacted by it and costs Australians

$13.6 billion annually (Lundy, 2015). It is the leading contributor of preventable death,

disability and illness in women aged between 15 and 44 years (Lundy, 2015) and the

impacts on children who witness domestic violence should not be underestimated. In

Queensland 175 incidents of domestic violence are reported each day (Bryce, 2014) and

the rates of victimisation for the Indigenous population is 45 percent higher than any other

demographic (CMC, 2005). As such it is important to understand why domestic violence

occurs, what measures can be implemented to prevent it and how perpetrators can be

stopped from re-offending.



Past and current research has been focused on public and judicial perceptions of

domestic violence (see Kern, Libkuman & Temple, 2007; Gilchrist & Blissett, 2002),

sentencing disparities between domestic and non-domestic violence offenders (Jeffries &

Bond, 2014), and the effectiveness of rehabilitative programs for convicted domestic

violence offenders (Harrah, 2012). Only one study was found on victim perceptions of

sentencing for online fraudsters (Button, McNaughton-Nicholls, Kerr, & Owen, 2015).

This gap in research has prompted the proposed study (outlined below) on the perceptions

of victims of domestic violence regarding the effectiveness of sentencing of offenders.

The aim of this proposed research is to determine how effective sentencing really is on

the recidivism rate of domestic violence offenders, the impact of sentencing on victim

safety and security and what, if anything can improve the outcomes for victims of

domestic violence. A review of current literature on the topic of domestic violence will be

discussed followed by an outline of the proposed research.

2. Literature Review

Domestic violence is not a new concept but has been practiced for centuries (Dutton,

2006). As Dutton (2006) points out, violence was often seen as a right; many laws in the

eighteenth century legally condoned the use of violence towards a wife in order for a man

to maintain power over his family. It was not until 1869 with the work by John Stuart Mill

that notions of domestic violence began to permeate society (see The Subjection of

Women, Mill, 1869). Moving forward to 1974 there was still little in the way of

acknowledgement of domestic violence as a social problem. Erin Pizzey (1974) wrote a

brutally honest book detailing domestic violence and its impact on victims, creating a

whole new dimension to the issue (Heidensohn, 1975). According to Heidensohn, (1975)

when referring to the work by Pizzey (1974), the issue of domestic violence is perhaps “so

vast and uncomfortably close...that a...fundamental rethink about sex rules, aggression and

family life” is needed (p.204). It would appear this statement still holds relevance today.

Policing domestic violence

In 2005 the Queensland Crime and Misconduct Commission (CMC) reported an

increase in the rise of domestic violence incidents despite the introduction and

improvement of domestic violence legislation since the 1980’s. This increase could be due



to the broadening definition of domestic violence to incorporate non-traditional familial

structures, but the figures are staggering nonetheless (CMC, 2005). The purpose of the

CMC (2005) report was to ascertain what the current policing response was to domestic

violence incidents and to identify areas for improvement. The CMC conducted the study

by recruiting police officers from across Queensland to participate in interviews, focus

groups and surveys (CMC, 2005).

In order to gain a greater understanding of the issues, domestic violence agencies and

legal services were consulted and victims were surveyed about their experiences (CMC,

2005). Focus groups were conducted to discuss the challenges faced by police attending

domestic disturbance calls with results used to inform the framework for semi-structured

interviews (CMC, 2005). More than 40 semi-structured interviews were conducted with a

variety of police personnel (CMC, 2005). A random sample was utilised in the survey

distribution and a response rate of 450 (50%) was recorded (CMC, 2005).

The study found a number of issues facing police. Firstly there was an over-reliance

on civil responses such as protection orders rather than an investigative approach (CMC,

2005). Secondly, a lack of connectedness between incidents was found as police tended to

focus on individual incidents rather than repeat calls for service for domestic violence

cases (CMC, 2005). A third issue related to ineffective administrative practices and lastly,

an increased police workload limited the ability of police to engage in preventive action

(CMC, 2005).

Magistrate views on domestic violence

Magistrates have also been studied to determine their views on domestic violence.

Carpenter, Currie and Field (2001) conducted a comparative replication study based on the

work of the New South Wales (NSW) Judicial Commission (1999) by mailing out 96

surveys to magistrates and acting magistrates in regional and city centres of Queensland

(Qld). The survey comprised open-ended questions relating to magistrates’ views on the

causes of domestic violence and operation of the Domestic Violence (Family Protection)

Act, 1989 (Qld) (Carpenter, et al., 2001, p.17). A response rate of 40 percent was achieved

with a total of nine female and twenty-eight male magistrates participating (Carpenter, et

al., 2001).



Findings suggest the majority of magistrates in both NSW and Qld believe domestic

violence matters should be worked out between the parties concerned (Carpenter, et al.,

2001). Judicial proceedings were seen as fair to men whilst making the safety of women

and children a priority (Carpenter, et al., 2001). A large portion of magistrates also felt

domestic violence orders were “used as a tactic in family court proceedings” (Carpenter, et

al., 2001, p.30). Zaykowski, Kleinstuber and McDonough (2014) also examined how the

judiciary viewed victims of domestic violence with findings suggesting judges see some

victims as being more worthy of a good outcome than others.

Gilchrist and Blissett (2002) also conducted a study on the attitudes of magistrates in

regards to domestic violence with a focus on the application of sentencing options for

domestic and stranger violence cases. Six vignettes were used to examine the responses of

participants (n = 76). The study comprised of self-selected magistrates (representing 20%

of the current bench) interested in domestic violence (Gilchrist & Blissett, 2002). A self-

completed questionnaire was administered to participants prior to completing a training

exercise involving the six vignettes utilising six variables for the domestic violence

incidents (Gilchrist & Blissett, 2002). These variables included the involvement of

alcohol, children, location of domestic violence incident, need for medical treatment and

relationship of victim and offender (Gilchrist & Blissett, 2002).

Qualitative analysis was conducted to determine what issues were most prominent

when considering sentencing options with a significant statistical effect on the need for

medical attention and use of alcohol (Gilchrist & Blissett, 2002). Results found no

significant difference between the various sentencing options for stranger and domestic

violence offenders but did highlight prejudice or pre-conceptions of domestic violence

requiring further study (Gilchrist & Blissett, 2002). These results fit well with the

thoughts of Heidensohn (1975) cited earlier that a rethink of the roles of the sexes is

needed.

Public perceptions of domestic violence

The Australian Government Office of the Status of Women (AGOSW) conducted a

domestic violence attitude survey to assess community perceptions on domestic violence

and identify key issues needing further examination (AGOSW, 1989). A “conspiracy of

silence” was confirmed as operating in Australia (AGOSW, 1989, p.1064) with a third of



all respondents believing domestic violence was a private matter. Over a quarter stated

they would not intervene in cases of domestic violence within their neighbourhoods and

one fifth of respondents believed it was excusable for a man to use physical force against

his wife (AGOSW, 1989). As information regarding the survey methods and data

collection was not provided it is difficult to say how widespread the abovementioned

views are held within the broader Australian community. In saying this, these views are in

line with those of the judiciary mentioned previously.

Kern, Libkuman and Temple (2007) examined the perceptions of domestic

violence on the sentencing decision of mock jurors’ by recruiting university psychology

students (n = 173) to participate in one of four conditions. The study was divided into

three phases with phase one involving the completion of either the SRES or AWS scale to

test participant attitudes toward women (Kern, et al., 2007). Participants were then given

one of four vignettes which began with the guilt of the offender already determined (Kern,

et al, 2007). Participants had to determine which sentencing option was most appropriate

on an individual and, later a group basis (Kern, et al, 2007).

The results showed participants did not associate domestic violence with victim

blameworthiness but rather focused on victim provocation as an influencing factor in

determining a sentence (Kern, et al, 2007).

Offender perceptions

Harrah (2012) conducted a study using semi-structured interviews with offenders

of domestic violence and administrators from a domestic violence treatment program to

determine program effectiveness. The use of a purposive qualitative approach was

justified as there was a select population wanted for study and because interviews can

allow rapport between participants and the interviewer to be built upon (Harrah, 2012). In

addition face to face interaction provides a means of clarification for both interviewer and

interviewee (Harrah, 2012).

Data from all interviews were transcribed and coded using a “constant comparative

analytic technique” to compare within and between groups (Harrah, 2012, p.28). Both

inductive and deductive codes were utilised using a coding sheet based on previous

research (Harrah, 2012). By using this type of coding system themes could be readily



identified for further analyses (Harrah, 2012). The results of this study found the

intervention program to be effective but one main issue remained; the motivation of

offenders to change (Harrah, 2012). The use of constant comparative analysis has been

adapted from Harrah (2012) for the proposed study outlined here.

Domestic violence victims’ perceptions of blame

Labine (2000) conducted a study of blame in domestic violence using a sample of

both student’s (N = 100) and victims (N = 114). A survey was administered to determine

the extent of abuse experienced in both samples and encompassed physical, sexual,

emotional or psychological abuse (Labine, 2000). Both sample groups placed victim

blame last in the order of blame rankings (outlined in the Domestic Violence Blame Scale)

(Labine, 2000). When examined in relation to childhood history of family/domestic

violence, those who had witnessed domestic violence as a child were more likely to blame

the victim (M = 1.66, SD = 0.69) than those without such experience (Labine, 2000).

This research also examined the traditional sex role orientation in victim blaming

and found participants with a traditional view of sex roles were more likely to place blame

on the victims of domestic violence rather than the perpetrator (Labine, 2000). Again this

fits with the discussion above.

Victim views on sentencing options

Button, McNaughton-Nicholls, Kerr and Owen (2015) conducted a study of online

fraud victims to determine their views on sentencing options. The study used a qualitative

approach including 15 in-depth interviews with victims of online fraud, six focus groups,

48 interviews of online fraud victims and nine professional stakeholders. A total of 63

victims took part in the study to examine mitigating and aggravating factors identified by

victims in relation to online fraud (Button, et al., 2015). Mitigating factors included the

response of offenders once caught, the mental state of offenders and also the amount of

coercion placed on the offender (Button, et al., 2015). Aggravating factors included the

degree of harm caused to the victim, the cost of the fraud and the degree of pre-planning

and organisation by an offender (Button, et al., 2015).

Participants identified three main aims to sentencing; punishment, rehabilitation

and deterrence; with custodial sentencing being favoured when sufficient aggravating



factors were evident (Button, et al., 2015). Restitution was also a recurring theme across

the sample with suggestions restitution coincide with other forms of sentencing such as

community orders and seizure of offender assets (Button et al., 2015). Restorative justice

was seen as a viable option by victims as it provided them the opportunity to get some

answers regarding their victimisation (Button, et al., 2015). These results are interesting as

it provides the first real study on what victim’s desire from taking an offender to court. It

would be expected that the proposed research will also have similar findings regarding the

desire for answers and closure and some form of restitution from the offender.

3. Research Question

What are the perceptions of Indigenous and Non-Indigenous victims of domestic

violence in Logan regarding the effectiveness of sentencing for domestic violence

offences?

For the purpose of this study, domestic violence is defined as any form of

psychological, sexual or physical abuse toward an intimate partner or family member

(Lockton & Ward, 1997). Victims of domestic violence are those who have experienced

one or more of the above forms of abuse at the hands of an intimate other.

4. Aims and Objectives

The aim of the proposed research is to examine the effectiveness of sentencing for

domestic violence offenders through the eyes of the victims and give them a voice in

determining the most effective means of reducing rates of repeat victimisation. The

proposed study will also compare perceptions of Indigenous and Non-Indigenous victims

and evaluate overall satisfaction with the current criminal justice system in regards to

domestic violence matters. It is hoped the results from this proposed study will inform

policy regarding domestic violence initiatives in the future.

In order to realize the aims of this proposal a number of in-depth semi-structured

interviews will be conducted with victims of domestic violence with the assistance of

service providers located within Logan City, Brisbane. The proposed research will be

based on interviews with both Indigenous and Non-Indigenous victims. In recruiting the

sample a number of methods will be utilised. Information brochures will be provided to a

number of services within Logan outlining the proposal. Service providers will also be



asked to identify potential participants and provide them with the necessary information to

make a decision regarding participation.

A public page will be created on Facebook and various social media sites providing

information on the proposed study including contact information for service providers

within Logan. The Facebook page will also provide information for domestic violence

victims on where to find support in relation to their experiences. Information brochures

will be provided to GUMURRII for dissemination to their support services.

5. Research Design, Justification and Data Collection Instruments

After reviewing the literature it was clear a gap existed in regards to victim

perceptions of sentencing and the role these could play in reducing domestic violence

incidents. Only one study from the literature review examined victim perceptions of

sentencing effectiveness (see Button et al., 2015, above) which has shaped the outline for

this proposal. A second study providing guidance for the proposed research method to be

utilised is that of Harrah (2012).

A qualitative approach was deemed most suitable for this proposal as it enables a

greater understanding of the participant’s social world and provides opportunities to

expand on themes which may arise during the interview process (Bryman, 2012; Merriam,

2014; Harrah, 2012). Due to time constraints a non-probability quota sample will be

utilised. A non-probability sample is justified as the domestic violence victim population

is relatively unknown and comprised of characteristics unique to that population (Maxfield

& Babbie, 2012). A quota sample is useful in addressing issues of representativeness by

ensuring each element of the population is included; for example Indigenous and Non-

Indigenous, male and female and various age groups (Maxfield & Babbie, 2012). This is

important as domestic violence does not discriminate between race, sex, age or status.

Quota sampling has both advantages and disadvantages over other forms of social

research. Advantages of this method include: lower costs of implementation; a shorter

time frame to conduct research; easier to manage in terms of record keeping and it is

advantageous when conducting exploratory research such as proposed in this project

(Bryman, 2012). Disadvantages of this method should be considered as interviewer bias



may be present when selecting participants; the available sample may not be representative

due to recruitment techniques and standard errors cannot be calculated (Bryman, 2012).

A total of 40 participants will be recruited for the research (20 Indigenous and 20

Non-Indigenous victims of domestic violence) as in-depth qualitative interviews are time

consuming and it is thought this figure will be ideal for the time constraints of this

proposal. It is important to have a representative sample from both Indigenous and Non-

Indigenous populations as domestic violence incidents are proportionately higher within

Indigenous communities (CMC, 2005) and will provide a comparative analysis on what

works for the different populations in regards to sentencing practices.

According to statistics, in 2012 one in three women had experienced physical

violence since the age of 15 years and almost one in five had experienced sexual violence

(Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), 4906.0-Personal Safety, Australia, 2015).

Domestic violence is the leading contributor of preventable death, disability and illness in

women between the ages of 15 and 44 years and costs the nation billions of dollars each

year (Lundy, 2015). In 2006 the ABS reported that approximately 1.2 million women had

experienced violence at the hands of a former or current partner (ABS, 4906.0-Personal

safety, Australia, 2012 (2013)) although this is likely to be much higher given rates of

reporting of domestic violence is still underestimated (Sully, 2011).

Recruitment of the sample

Domestic violence is a sensitive issue therefore the assistance of services within

Logan City will be sought. The researcher aims to enlist the assistance of members from

GUMURRII at Griffith University to engage with potential Indigenous participants.

GUMURRII not only offers support to Indigenous students across Brisbane, it also works

in partnership with the wider Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) community

advocating for social justice (GUMURRII, 2015). As such it is suitably placed to engage

with victims of domestic violence wanting a chance to tell their story and have a say in

regards to what they believe is the best way forward in domestic violence judicial policy.

There are a number of domestic violence support services located within the Logan

City area which will also be approached for this project. The Salvation Army, Logan and



Beaudesert Community Response Group and DVConnect are just some of the many

services which may be of assistance.

Selection criteria for inclusion in the proposed research

Several criteria will be used when recruiting participants for the proposed study.

These include: being a victim of domestic violence within the last 3 years; aged 18 years

of age or older; be psychologically fit; willing to participate in the study and; the offender

must have been convicted and sentenced for the domestic violence offence. The time

criterion of 3 years is important as it often takes months if not years for a matter to be

finalised in the courts.

As the Southern District Magistrates Court (servicing Logan) hears the second-

highest number of domestic violence matters within Queensland, Logan was deemed the

most appropriate area to conduct the proposed research (Foelz, n.d.). In addition to high

rates of domestic violence issues, Logan is also an ethnically mixed area with large

numbers of Europeans, Maori and Samoan Islanders, Chinese and ATSI peoples (Logan

City Council, 2015). Given the mix in ethnicity Logan provides an opportunity to sample

a wide range of peoples which may allow for some generalisations to be made dependent

on the final sample interviewed.

Research site

It is proposed this research be conducted in the offices of one of the participating

support services or a suitable public space agreeable to all parties concerned. As many of

the potential participants will already be clients of the support services utilised, conducting

interviews within their offices may also provide a level of comfort and security for

participants who are used to the surroundings. As the interviews may be quite lengthy in

regards to time, it is important to conduct the interview in a place where participants will

not be interrupted. Due to the sensitivities surrounding domestic violence, confidentiality

and a level of privacy is also important for ensuring the wellbeing of participants.

Recordings will be made of all interviews for transcription and as such a quiet area is also

required to ensure the quality of the audio is sufficient to complete the research.



Data collection methods

Using a qualitative approach, 40 in-depth semi-structured interviews will be

recorded using a Dictaphone or similar recording device. Each participant will be given an

identifier code at the start of the interview to ensure confidentiality and anonymity. This is

important in ensuring trust can be formed between the interviewee and participant and

provides a sense of security for the participant. It is proposed that two interviews per day

will be conducted over a 20 day period. This is necessary to allow for completion of

transcription the same day as the interview to ensure relevant points are not forgotten or

overlooked. As the researcher has a number of years worth of experience in live audio

transcription it is expected each transcript will take approximately three hours to transcribe

(when interviews run no longer than 1.5 hours).

The NVivo computer software program will be utilised to code all data from the

transcribed interviews. This is the most appropriate method for coding given the short

time frame with which this proposed study must be completed. NVivo is available for

students through Griffith University making it an ideal option for this project (Griffith

University, 2015). NVivo is a qualitative analytic tool which can assist in identifying

emerging themes or patterns from the data (Bryman, 2012) and as such will assist in

highlighting perceptions of the potential participants involved in the study.

Several variables will be examined in the proposed research including; duration

and severity of the domestic violence; the time lapse between the end of abuse and the

interview; the type and duration of sentence; the perceptions of how effective the sentence

was in ensuring the safety and security of the participant and what could be changed to

make it more effective. A within and between groups analysis will be conducted to

determine any similarities or differences between the two sample groups and within the

different demographic categories of each sample group.

6. Ethical considerations

The topic of domestic violence is a sensitive one as it has the potential to cause harm to

participants involved in the research and because of the implications associated with this

research on criminal justice and social policies (Lee & Renzetti, 1990). As Lee and

Renzetti (1990) highlight, sensitive topics include those whereby research examines issues



of a private or deeply personal experience, and as such it is vital to ensure ethical concerns

are considered prior to the commencement of any research in the topic area. Four key

elements are needed to ensure the ethical implications of research into the proposed topic

are limited. Israel (2004) lists these elements as confidentiality; informed consent; harms

and benefits; and relationships.

As mentioned in Assessment two (Carney, 2015) this research is based on two

vulnerable/special groups a number of key ethical issues must be addressed. Firstly

participants’ mental wellbeing must be secured by: explaining the aims of the research

(through informed consent); providing opportunities to pause the interview if a participant

becomes upset or uncomfortable and; providing victim support information at the

completion of the session (harms and benefits). Secondly, given the sensitive nature of

domestic violence it is important to ensure the confidentiality of information provided by

participants (Israel, 2004). To guarantee confidentiality each participant will be allocated

an identifier used in place of their name and location at the start of the interview. Lastly in

regards to the Indigenous sample, it is important to be aware of culturally specific

sensitivities (Israel, 2004). As such a meeting between the researcher and support workers

from GUMURRII will be convened prior to the proposed research commencing to provide

greater understanding of the needs of Indigenous participants.

7. Proposed Timeframe for Project

A proposed timetable has been included in the Appendices outlining approximate start

and end times for each portion of the project. It is envisioned that gaining ethics approval

will be a lengthy process so three months has been pencilled in to gain approval. Whilst

ethics approval is being sought, the researcher intends to approach GUMURRII and

domestic violence support services within the Logan area to form a working relationship in

order to both recruit participants and conduct the study proposed. Two months has been

set aside for this task. A social media campaign is also proposed with one month set aside

for its implementation. Two months has been allowed for the creation and dissemination

of information brochures to various support services within Logan. As students are

required to gain supervisor approval for the use of NVivo one month has been allocated for

the set up of an NVivo account from Griffith University. One month as also been allotted

for the requisition of an appropriate recording device and also for the formulation of an



interview guide; including the application of a pilot study. It is envisioned the interviews

and analysis will take five months to complete with an additional two months set aside to

finalise the study and publish its findings.



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Appendix A

Proposed Project Timetable

Task Mar

Apr

il

May

June

July

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Apply for Ethics Approval X

X

X

Approach GUMURRII and Logan Service providers

X

X

Create Facebook page X

Disseminate information brochures X

X

Set up an NVivo account if required X

Requisition necessary recording equipment X

Formulate open ended interview guide and conduct pilot study

X

Conduct interviews X

X

Transcribe interviews X

X

Code qualitative interview data X

X

X

Collate data X

X

conduct analysis of data X

X

Finalise study (including publication of findings) X

X

literature review X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X



Appendix B

Proposed Coding Guideline

Demographic Data of Victim

1. Age

2. Ethnicity

3. Marital status at time of offence

4. Sex-Male/Female/Neutral

5. Educational background

Domestic Violence (DV) Experience

1. Physical only

2. Psychological only

3. Sexual only

4. Emotional only

5. Two from the list of 1-4

6. Three from the list of 1-4

7. All types from 1-4

Duration/Severity of DV Incidents

1. Infrequent (one or fewer instances per month)

2. Moderate (two to five instances per month)

3. Frequent (six to 10 instances per month)

4. Severe (10 or more instances per month)

5. Extreme (daily)

Time Lapse between Interview and Sentencing Finalisation

1. Less than one month

2. Less than three months

3. Less than six months

4. Less than twelve months

5. More than twelve months



Offender characteristics

1. Age of offender at time of offending

2. Sex- Male/Female/Neutral

3. Ethnicity

4. Relationship to victim

5. Educational background

Type of Sentencing Received

1. Conviction and custodial sentence

2. Conviction and non-custodial sentence

3. Conviction and community service

4. Conviction and requirement to complete rehabilitation

5. Conviction and requirement to pay restitution

6. Two or more of above

Perceptions of Sentencing Effectiveness

1. Was the sentence just?

2. Was the sentence appropriate for the crime?

3. Did the sentencing process consider safety of victim?

4. Did the sentencing process include the victim?

5. Did the sentence stop the DV?

6. Did it make DV incidents worse?

7. Did sentencing rehabilitate the offender?

8. What would the victim have liked to see in regards to outcomes?

9. What changes could be made to improve sentencing for DV?



Appendix C

Proposed Interview Guide

1. Explain the purpose of the research, why am I asking these questions? What do I

hope to gain from speaking with victims of domestic violence?

2. Allow participant a chance to ask clarifying questions regarding the research and

gain informed consent from participant.

3. Ask demographic questions to put the participant at ease.

Age

Ethnicity

Marital Status now and at time of offence

Educational Background

4. Does the participant currently work? What type of work are they in?

5. Ask participant to provide some background such as where they grew up, what

type of family setting they had, did they have siblings?

6. How did the victim and offender meet?

7. Provide an early history of the relationship, what was the early part of the

relationship like?

8. Were there any triggers for the DV?

9. What impact did DV have on your work/social/family life?

10. What made you seek assistance for DV?

11. Did you find the support you needed?

12. How do you feel about the sentencing process?

13. Was there anything in the sentencing process you felt was positive? Negative? In

need of changing?

14. How did you feel when you heard the conviction and sentence?

15. How did the conviction and sentence impact your relationships?

16. Do you feel the sentence was appropriate? Why?

17. How did things change for you after the (offender) was sentenced?

18. Could you explain whether the sentencing options were effective?

19. Can you think of improvements which could be made to ensure better outcomes?


Christine Carney Social Science Research Proposal

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