The Concept and Measurement of Interpersonal Violence in Specialist Services Data: Inconsistencies, Outcomes and the Challenges of Synthesising Evidence

Annie Bunce (), Sophie Carlisle () and Estela Capelas Barbosa
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Annie Bunce: Violence and Society Centre, University of London, London EC1V 0HB, UK
Sophie Carlisle: Department of Health Service and Population Research, David Goldberg Centre, King’s College London, London SE5 8AF, UK
Estela Capelas Barbosa: Violence and Society Centre, University of London, London EC1V 0HB, UK

Social Sciences, 2023, vol. 12, issue 7, 1-15

Abstract: Interpersonal violence comprises a variety of different types of violence that occur between individuals, including violence perpetrated by strangers and acquaintances, intimate partners and family members. Interpersonal violence is a leading cause of death, particularly among young adults. Inconsistencies in definitions and approaches to the measurement of interpersonal violence mean it is difficult to clearly understand its prevalence and the differences and similarities between its different subcategories and contexts. In the UK, specialist services provide support for victim-survivors and also perpetrators of violence. As well as delivering frontline services, specialist services collect data on interpersonal violence, both routinely and for the purpose of research and evaluation. This data has the potential to greatly improve understanding of violence in the UK; however, several issues make this challenging. This review describes and discusses some of the key challenges facing the two types of data collected by specialist services. Key inconsistencies regarding conceptualisation and measurement are identified, along with the implications of these for the synthesis of data, including implications for researchers, service providers, funders and commissioners. Recommendations are proposed to improve practice, the quality of data and, therefore, the understanding of interpersonal violence in the UK.

Keywords: interpersonal violence; specialist support; violence and abuse; administrative data; evaluation; evidence synthesis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A B N P Y80 Z00 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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