[A] senior lecturer in applied psychology from the University of Cumbria who specialises in researching domestic abuse has given evidence to a parliamentary committee working to draw up new guidance on the issue.
In March the Prime Minister Theresa May, Home Secretary Amber Rudd and Justice Secretary David Gauke launched a consultation to gather views on measures which will be included in the government’s draft Domestic Abuse Bill.
Dr Liz Bates has spent years researching the issue particularly cases of men being abused by female partners.
“I was delighted to be asked to take part in the consultation process examining this important area of health,” Dr Bates said. “As part of my research work I’ve come into contact with a variety of people who’ve experienced horrendous incidents at the hands of people who were their partners. The scale of the issue is unknown so I welcome this review and hope that it will result in meaningful change that will benefit the kind of people who have felt the need to get in touch.”
Dr Bates and colleague Dr Julie Taylor have embarked on a research project studying why men in abusive or aggressive relationships are reluctant to ask for help.
The survey is a follow up to work carried out last year which resulted in 161 men answer an online survey which prompted more in depth work.