During the lockdown that was implemented to stop the COVID-19 virus’s transmission, the authorities in the United Kingdom responded to the rise in domestic violence. The study assesses the efficacy of a multi-agency pilot program that was started to boost participation in criminal investigations as well as police and other agencies protection of victims of intimate partner violence (Halford & Smith, 2022). To promote timely aid to victims, this initiative involves independent advocates against sexual assault and domestic violence working together as a police patrol team. They conduct joint investigations and address complaints of domestic violence.
Researchers performed quantitative research in the article to assign a numerical value to the reality of domestic abuse cases. The researchers conducted a qualitative review of criminal investigations and convictions. Victim engagement was a tactic employed to boost support for both safeguarding and investigative cooperation; however, the performance metrics were not ones that the police would typically employ. The victims’ raw facts were captured as data, which is a collection of them. A gadget called a “tracker record” was employed to keep information on domestic violence and sexual assault victims. A review of the overall level of interaction across all instances that were documented was done. After that, data from instances that were correctly identified as involving a repeat victim were analyzed. A descriptive study reveals that there was a significant improvement in both the level of engagement in safeguarding and the level of cooperation with criminal investigations.
Research ethics are regarded as accepted standards of behavior and conduct during research that apply to a certain form of human action, a profession, a group, an individual, or a society. The following ethical concerns have been applied in the police practice and research;
When it comes to social responsibility, the researcher must be aware that earlier victim support increases the possibility that organizations will protect, prevent, and/or lower the number of cases affecting victims of intimate partner abuse (Halford & Smith, 2022). Professional and scientific responsibility, respect for human rights, diversity, and professional competence, which was used in the pilot program that concentrated on a very specific crime form of intimate partner violence, and integrity. This is where the level of involvement of repeat victims in regard to safeguarding and criminal investigations also significantly increased. Concern for the participants’ welfare as the organization worked to end domestic violence and bring peace to the victims’ homes. Harm to participants is kept to a minimum, and the strategy directs victims’ conduct to guarantee that negative traits are eradicator to promote peace.
Mixed methods research combines quantitative and qualitative data to address a research question. While qualitative research involves gathering data for more exploration or to identify common themes while quantitative research involves the analysis of numerical data that can be utilized for statistical analysis. When two or more research studies are done, each complete in itself, to address research questions and/or hypotheses, a topic, or a program, this is known as using multiple methods or multi-method design. Since it combines quantitative research to gather numerical statistics and then a qualitative approach to analyze those figures, the case study has utilized a mixed research methodology.
The increase in domestic violence incidents has had a severe influence on society by causing fatalities, divorces, and single parenthood. Thus, the initiative is beneficial since it promotes harmony and unity within society. The multi-agency pilot program uses the necessary ethical standards and the right research terminologies. It is a good effort, despite facing criticism for concentrating just on one problem. It uses the appropriate quantitative and qualitative analysis to support its conclusions.
Reference
Halford, E., & Smith, J. (2022). Operation provide: A multi-agency response to increasing police engagement in cases of intimate partner violence during the COVID-19 pandemic. Police Practice and Research, 23(5), 600-613.