The Disassociation Between Domestic Violence Service Provision and Multi-Agency Initiatives on Domestic Violence

Abstract

In recent years in England and Wales, the multi-agency approach has come to be increasingly promoted in government circles as a response in domestic violence. In this article, I reflect on doctoral research to question the assumption that the multi-agency approach should be celebrated as a leading response to the problem. Rather, I argue that such approaches increase neither women's protection nor their safety. Focusing on findings from two research areas in Northern England, I argue that there was a separation or disassociation between multi-agency domestic violence initiatives and service provision in these areas. I illustrate the argument using three examples from the research. Other issues are important in founding the argument that such approaches are not increasing women's protection or safety. These issues centre on the interaction between service provision and prevention. I argue that, because appropriate service provision is essential in preventing domestic violence, an approach that is not grounded in service provision but is disassociated from it can do little to prevent domestic violence and protect women.