Academic-police collaborations address violence against women and girls in Wales

These projects are funded through the All-Wales Policing Academic Collaboration (AWPAC) - a collaborative network for policing research in Wales, facilitated by the Wales Innovation Network (WIN).

One of the projects, led by Bangor University, focuses on misogyny as a risk factor for serious harm in domestic abuse cases. With funding of nearly £21,000, the research team conducted a detailed analysis of case files and interviewed victims to determine if misogynistic attitudes contribute to violent behaviour. Preliminary findings suggest that misogyny is a critical risk factor that needs greater emphasis in police training and risk assessments. The project is expected to inform future police procedures and contribute to ongoing research.

Cardiff University’s project explored specialist police units for tackling violence against women and girls around Wales. The aim was to identify best practices for wider implementation by bringing together representatives from the four Welsh police forces to share their insights. This built on an evaluation of ‘Operation Diogel’, a specialist unit in Cardiff and Vale that aimed to improve victim safeguarding and criminal justice outcomes. The research findings were shared with the VAWDASV Taskforce in June, and at the ESRC Vulnerability and Policing Futures Centre's first annual conference in September.

The University of South Wales conducted a process evaluation of police-perpetrated domestic abuse and sexual violence. The study builds on year 1 AWPAC-funded research, focusing on the implementation of a two-year advocacy support pilot for victims. The project developed a Theory of Change model to guide and evaluate the effectiveness of this intervention. Early findings highlight successful partnership working and improved victim support, with potential for expansion across Wales.

These projects underscore the importance of academic-police collaborations in developing evidence-based strategies to combat VAWG. As these initiatives progress, they are expected to contribute significantly to policy and practice, ensuring a more effective response to violence against women and girls in Wales and beyond.