Women’s experiences of Domestic Violence and Abuse

Her PhD explored the radiating impacts of domestic violence and abuse, and how it affects the health and wellbeing of informal supporters (friends, family members, neighbours, colleagues). She was awarded an Elizabeth Blackwell Institute Fellowship to explore avenues to assist informal supporters in helping survivors. She also co-lead the VOICES study which investigated the impact of domestic violence and abuse on children.

Gene has held two National Institute of Health Research programme grants developing interventions to support women, men and children affected by domestic violence and abuse. Gene chaired the 2016 NICE clinical guidelines for Domestic Violence and Abuse and the 2013 WHO Intimate Partner Violence guideline development group.

Nicki has over 20 years direct experience with providing, managing and developing local domestic violence services in a range of settings. Nicki oversees the delivery and development of Women’s Aid’s direct services which include the National Domestic Violence Helpline, online Survivors’ Forum, and the ‘Safer Futures’ schools education project. Currently, Nicki is leading a national project that aims to transform multi-agency responses to domestic abuse in England and Wales – Change that Lasts.