Domestic abuse and trauma symptoms in women and children
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Is domestic abuse related to trauma symptoms in women and children and does the severity of maternal depression and maternal trauma symptoms moderate the relationship between child exposure to domestic abuse and child trauma symptoms?
IRAS ID
159594
Contact name
Lisa Ahern
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Edinburgh
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 1 days
Research summary
Child and adolescent mental health(CAMHS) clinicians who are working with women and children known to have experienced domestic abuse (DA) will ask their clients whether they would be interested in participating in this research project which aims to investigate whether a relationship exists between DA and trauma symptoms and whether maternal trauma symptoms, maternal depression, duration, severity of DA exposure, the age and gender of the child moderate the relationship between children’s exposure to DA and trauma symptoms. Clients attending CAMHS will be given the participant information sheet and their current clinician will explain the nature of this study and answer questions they have. The main researcher's contact details will be provided on the participant information sheet and the clinician will direct clients to these details so they can call or meet to discuss the study further. After the initial information is provided the potential adult and child participants will have time between their next appointment to think about the study and generate any additional questions they may have. At a subsequent appointment the clinician (or a meeting with the main researcher if clients prefer) will then answer any additional questions to ensure participants are fully informed about this study and take informed consent (adults) or assent (10-16 year olds). The adult participants will complete questionnaires on DA, trauma and depression symptoms in the clinic with support from their clinician or the main researcher or on their own at home should they prefer. Children will be asked to complete the questionnaires in the clinic (a place of safety) so that any questions can be answered or emotional support provided. Participants will also be recruited from voluntary agencies who support people who have experienced DA, recruitment will proceed as above with the voluntary worker taking the the same role as CAMHS clinician.
REC name
East of Scotland Research Ethics Service REC 2
REC reference
15/ES/0008
Date of REC Opinion
19 Mar 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion