About the program
Applications are invited for a fully-funded full-time PhD studentship exploring the issue of domestic violence within the family court system
Domestic violence is an issue that was traditionally seen as a private ‘family’ matter and was therefore initially dealt with by the family courts (Dobash and Dobash 1979). It is now the case that domestic violence issues appear in a range of cases presented to the family courts, including; direct applications for non-molestation orders and occupation orders; applications for divorce or separation; applications for child contact or dispute over residency; and care proceedings issued by the local authority. Yet despite the frequency with which these cases appear in the family court there is relatively little research regarding how they are managed and resolved (Wilson, 2015, Macdonald, 2016). Furthermore, while the criminal courts have made attempts to create separate waiting areas for victims and introduced specialist support workers, the family courts often have no such facilities, raising the potential for increased violence and abuse.
This studentship will explore; the prevalence of domestic violence issues within family law cases, the extent to which domestic violence is addressed by judgements made in family law cases, and the practical risk and safety issues of hearing cases where there is on-going or historical domestic abuse.
Closing date: Thursday 01 Jun 2017
Reference number: N/A
Background
The Institute of Health & Society brings together academics and researchers from across a wide range of disciplines but with a shared focus of enhancing the health and well-being of society through its education and research. Its transformational research seeks to address some of the major issues within health professions, local services, community and beyond. By pulling together academics working across disciplines to tackle important, social, scientific and environmental challenges, this research is having an impact on people's lives and helping to expand the institute’s base of world-leading research. Areas of particular research strength are: Dementia Studies, Violence Prevention, Mental Health and Palliative Care. The Mood Disorders Research Group is a core component of the University’s mental health research.
Research School
The Research School is a focal point for all our research students. It provides:
- day-to-day support for our students, both administrative and practical, through our dedicated team
- a Research Student Study Space with both PCs and laptop docking station
- a comprehensive Researcher Development Programme for students and their supervisors
- a programme of student-led conferences and seminars
Details of the studentship
During the period of your studentship you will receive the following:
- a tax free bursary of £13,863 for a period of 3 years
- a fee-waiver for 4 years
- a laptop
- use of the Research Student Study Space in Research School
- access to the Research Student Support Scheme to cover costs and expenses related to your research
Person specification
Essential
Applicants should have or be able to evidence
- A First or Upper Second (2.1) Honours Degree in a social science, or expect to receive one by October 2016;
- A sound understanding of, and interest in domestic violence and/or the family court system
- Experience of relevant research methods and skills;
- Ability to contribute to research study design;
- Computer literacy;
- Proficiency in oral and written English;
- Ability to organise and meet deadlines;
- Good interpersonal skills;
- Ability to work independently and contribute to a team;
- Commitment and an enthusiastic approach to completing a higher research degree;
- Means of travelling independently to conduct research in locations throughout the UK;
Desirable
Education to Masters Degree level in a relevant area.
As part of its mission statement the University is committed to widening participation for its higher degrees. Although most candidates will have an undergraduate and/or a Masters degree, the University is happy to accept applications from candidates with relevant professional qualifications and work related experience
For more information click "Further official information" below.
This opportunity has expired. It was originally published here:
http://www.worcester.ac.uk/community/job-vacancy-phd-studentship-domestic-violence-in-the-family-court-system.html