Using social work theory to engage with gatekeepers in researching the sensitive topic of intra-familial homicide

Abstract

In approaching the topic of intra-familial homicide with a view to prevention, it is important to understand the long-term patterns of behaviour in families pre-existing the offence. This article explains why it is appropriate for social workers to undertake researching this sensitive issue. It describes a method of using social work theory to engage with gatekeepers to access data and to overcome some of the difficulties that may be encountered in researching closed systems. It concludes by emphasising the need for social work researchers to be creative by incorporating theory in methodology to explore ways of navigating complex systems and enhancing data collection.