Empowerment through the lens: a photovoice exploration of empowerment in domestic and family violence survivors

What is the purpose of this research?

The purpose of this project is to understand what empowerment means for women who have previously experienced domestic and family violence (DFV) and how DFV service providers can better support the empowerment of women who use their services. This is a two-phase study, the first phase will involve focus groups for women who have experienced DFV and the second phase will involve a focus group for practitioners who work with women who have experienced DFV. Currently, the study is recruiting for the first phase.

Are you looking for people like me?

You are invited to participate in this research project because you may be able to share insights into your experiences and ideas of empowerment and support seeking as a survivor of domestic violence. You will be eligible to participate in the research project if you:

• are a woman
• are over the age of 18
• have previously experienced DFV however you currently feel safe to participate in DFV related research
• own a smartphone with a camera that you are happy to use for the project. This will involve texting or emailing photos to the researcher at your own cost.

What will you ask me to do?

The method being used for this study is called Photovoice, which will involve you taking photos that represent what empowerment means to you. You will then be asked to participate in a focus group to discuss the meaning of the photos with the other participants. Participation in the study will involve three steps.

The first step is attending a video recorded group meeting at QUT Kelvin Grove in which you will meet with the researcher and the other participants to discuss the aims and objectives of the research. The researcher will ask for your input on what you would like to achieve as a result of participation in the study. The researcher will also explain the photo taking process. This first step will take up to 2 hours of your time.

The next step of the study involves you taking photos over a two week period. When taking photos you will be asked:

• to take photos that represent empowerment to you
• to not take photos of any people
• to not take photos of objects or locations that could identify you
• to write short narratives and/or record voice memos to comment on the photos you have taken
• to text or email the photos to the researcher by a specified date (date TBC, but will be prior to second focus group).

The third step will involve a video recorded focus group at QUT Kelvin Grove that will take approximately 2 hours of your time. In this final step you will share some of your photos with the group and discuss the meaning of the photos.

Some examples of questions that may be included in this focus group are:

• Can you tell me about how this photo represents empowerment?
• What is your experience of seeking support for DFV?
• How do you define empowerment?

It is important to understand that the focus group is not a therapeutic space therefore the focus of discussion will be on themes of empowerment rather than specific experiences of DFV.

Your participation in this research project is entirely voluntary. If you do agree to participate you can withdraw from the research project without comment or penalty. You can withdraw anytime during the focus group. Due to the nature of a focus group, your contributions will not be able to be withdrawn. Your decision to participate or not participate will in no way impact upon your current or future relationship with QUT. QUT students are welcome to participate and should note that their details will be deidentified and their participation will not have any bearing on their relationship with QUT.

Are there any risks for me in taking part?

Participants could experience emotional distress during participation as a result of reflecting on experiences of DFV. You will be given information about free support services that can assist should you experience distress as a result of your participation. There is also a potential risk to your physical and/or emotional safety should a person who has used violence against you become aware of your participation in the research. For some people there may be little to no risk if a partner or ex-partner became aware of their participation, however for others there may be a significant risk. For this reason we will ask you to consider this risk prior your participation in the study and to not participate if you feel that there is a likely chance that you could become unsafe as a result of your participation in this research. The research team have devised multiple strategies aimed at increasing participant safety. Further information about risk minimisation is available on participant information and consent forms. You are also welcome to discuss your concerns with the researcher.

Are there any benefits for me in taking part?

Some women may find it beneficial to participate in focus groups and connect with others with similar experiences. Furthermore, the outcomes of the research, may benefit women who experience domestic violence in the future by increasing understanding of the nature of empowerment concerning DFV survivors. The outcomes of the research will be made available to policy makers and service providers who may then be able to better tailor domestic violence service to meet the needs of survivors. You can request a brief summary of the outcomes of the study by checking the appropriate box on the consent form and providing your email address.

Will I be compensated for my time?

No, however the research team will reimburse you for the cost of parking at QUT’s Kelvin Grove campus or for the cost of public transport to and from QUT’s Kelvin Grove campus.

I am interested - what should I do next?

Before deciding to participate, it is important that you read through the participant information and consent forms. Please contact researcher Maddy via email (madeleine.bennett@hdr.qut.edu.au) to be provided with copies of these forms. You are also welcome to contact the research team to ask any questions about the study.