• Online research seminar on Wednesday 10 November will examine barriers such as fears, risks and safeguarding of children in conducting domestic violence research

A Charles Sturt University online seminar aims to increase knowledge and understanding about the participation barriers for children and young people in domestic violence research.

The online seminar is from 4pm to 5pm on Wednesday 10 November and will be presented by Senior Lecturer in Social Work Dr Patricia Mackey (pictured, inset) as part of the Charles Sturt School of Social Work and Arts research seminar series.

The seminar has broad applicability to sensitive social researchers, child protection services, domestic violence services, community and health services, peak organisations in domestic violence, child protection and those for youth, HREC members, educators, and students.

Dr Mackey will present the findings of her PhD research about the barriers and enablers to conducting domestic violence research with children who have experiences of this violence.

Dr Mackey previously held the position of Deputy Public Advocate with the ACT Human Rights Commission and had responsibilities for oversighting and monitoring service systems, and in the provision of systemic and individual advocacy.

She has broad practitioner experience in child protection, mental health, disability services, community services, and in the domestic/family violence area.

As both a social worker and occupational therapist, Dr Mackey has also been in part-time private practice providing therapeutic and clinical services.

She said her research found the barriers to children’s participation centred on fears, risks and safeguarding.

Dr Mackey will present an enabling model to assist in facilitating the engagement, inclusion, and safe participation of children (and other vulnerable cohorts) in research, as well as consultative and participatory processes generally.

“My findings led to the development of an enabling model of attuned trauma-safe research, referred to as STARR,” Dr Mackey said.

“STARR can be used to facilitate the safe and ethical participation of children, young people, and other vulnerable cohorts, in sensitive social research, consultations, and, potentially, in investigative and assessment processes.”

Access the seminar via a Zoom link.