Mumsnet Talk

Department of Behavioural and Social Sciences
University of Huddersfield
Queensgate
Huddersfield
HD1 3DH
Tel: +44 (0)1484 422288
Website: www.hud.ac.uk

Date: 23rd January 2012

Hello Mumsnet,

I am a third year criminology student in the Department of Behavioural and Social Sciences at the University of Huddersfield. As part of my studies I am carrying out a research project on domestic violence, specifically the response of the Criminal Justice System towards perpetrators of domestic violence. In particular the focus of my research is on male perpetrators and the way they are dealt with within the Criminal Justice System and whether such responses effectively reduce violence against women. I am also exploring the proposal of establishing ‘Clare’s Law’ (a national disclosure scheme) in the UK, put forward by the Coalition Government. In brief, the Gov. proposes to run a national disclosure scheme that will allow women the right to information about a partner's history of domestic violence.

I would like your participation in the research because Mumsnet is a large on-line community, populated by many people who may have valuable ideas and opinions on the subject of my research. I am myself a member of Mumsnet (since 2007) so I know how great it is! I have name changed though in order to protect my privacy and avoid any possible biases or preconceptions.

I propose to interview interested participants online, either through email exchanges or by using the Mumsnet PM facility. If participants would prefer I can also use video software, such as Skype or MSN Messenger. Using online interviews I will be able to reach a broad range of people.

The research will be subject to ethical guidelines given by the British Society of Criminology. You will remain anonymous, you will have the right to refuse to answer specific interview questions and to withdraw from the interview (and the study) at any time, and you will also have the opportunity to be debriefed or informed about the completed research project should you so wish. Each participant will be given a unique ID number and the researcher’s contact details so that the participant can request that his/ her data be withdrawn from the study if necessary.

If you are interested in participating please get in touch with me at the email address below or through the PM facility on the message board. A consent form will then to be forwarded to you that will need to be returned before the interview takes place.

If you have any other queries please do not hesitate to contact me –

Nicola Moffat - U0966319@unimail.hud.ac.uk

or my research supervisor Dr. Gráinne McMahon - G.McMahon@hud.ac.uk

Kindest regards,

Nicola Moffat