Conducting interviews on domestic violence is similar to researching on other sensitive issues in healthcare. Domestic violence against women is a sensitive topic that requires adequate consent in order to avoid disclosure problems among the respondents. In addition, distress among the respondents, ignorance, resistance from the community, and silence are other potential risks of interviewing victims of domestic violence. The safety of both the victims and interviewers can be at stake if necessary measures are not considered before undertaking the research.
According to World Health Organization (2012), researchers must undertake studies on victims of domestic violence with absolute privacy. In order to minimize potential risks of conducting an interview on women who have suffered from domestic violence, I intend to seek adequate and informed consent from the respondents, ensure confidentiality of my study, ensure safety of participants, and minimize distressing my respondents. I believe with sufficient and informed consent from the respondents and community, it is easy to overcome the risks of ignorance, silence and resistance. Likewise, protecting confidentiality and privacy of a study on domestic violence against women is an essential element in ensuring safety of female respondents (Kumar, 2013).
Response to Edith,
Dear Edith,
I have read your post on domestic violence against women and I must admit that it is good. Indeed, you have stated quite clearly that protection of privacy is a key consideration researchers need to put in mind while preparing for an interview with domestic violence victims. It is appreciable you understand quite well the potential risks of conducting a research on sensitive topics such as domestic violence. As Hanmer and Itzin (2013) posit, safety of interviewers and victims is one of the ethical considerations in studies involving domestic violence on women. As such, it is important to factor in safety and confidentiality as crucial aspects of ensuring a conducive study environment.
References
Hanmer, J., & Itzin, C. (2013). Home truths about domestic violence: feminist influences on policy and practice-a reader. Routledge.
Kumar, N. (2013). Domestic violence against women. Academecia: An International Multidisciplinary Research Journal, 3(11), 251-257.
World Health Organization. (2012). Understanding and addressing violence against women: Intimate partner violence.
