University of Salford Domestic Abuse Counselling Service Evaluation

Viliardos, Laura; Roddy, Jeannette

Abstract

Evaluation of a model of counselling for domestic abuse Aim or purpose Experiences of domestic abuse has shown increased levels of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and suicidal ideation across client groups, with counselling suggested a good option post-separation. Research with female and male participants suggested a model of practice based on client context would be helpful. A counsellor competency framework was developed from this work, which allowed the development and delivery of practitioner training and the launch of a domestic abuse counselling service. The counselling service moved online at the start of the pandemic. This evaluation of the online service sought to understand whether this approach was effective for a diverse range of clients. Design or methodology Advertising material for the counselling service focused on the experience of domestic abuse and used non-binary pronouns. Counsellors were recruited from a variety of backgrounds, with different faiths, sexualities, ethnicities and gender. Clients self-referred allowing autonomy. Data (CORE-10, PHQ-9 and GAD-7) was collected before each session and at the end of counselling. Analysis of fully anonymised client data was conducted using simple statistical methods. Ethical approval As this was a service evaluation, and consent for the collection, analysis and publication of the data was given by clients prior to data collection, no further ethical approval was required. Results or findings Attendance at counselling post-assessment has been good. Clients showed significant improvement over the course of therapy, moving on average from moderately severe presentation to mild/moderate. The client base consisted of around one third male and one quarter from ethnic backgrounds. Research limitations Domestic abuse survivors access counselling for many reasons: support through the criminal justice process; processing experiences; as well as improvements to their mental health. Mental health measures are therefore of limited value and not all clients will complete the data. This is, however, in keeping with other counselling service evaluation. Conclusions or implications Outcome data suggests that the delivery of online counselling for clients who have experienced domestic abuse is beneficial. The model and contextual service approach shows promise. Further research on the specific factors that clients find helpful from the service would be beneficial. Considerations given to issues of equality, diversity and inclusion The service was specifically set up to provide a generic counselling service for those who have experienced domestic abuse. When running in-person, it potentially restricted those who found it difficult travel. Online counselling improved some access, but required access to a computer or telephone. A hybrid of in-person and online would potentially meet more client needs.

Citation

Viliardos, L., & Roddy, J. (2023, May). University of Salford Domestic Abuse Counselling Service Evaluation. Paper presented at British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy Research Conference, Leeds Beckett University

• Presentation Conference Type: Conference Paper (unpublished)
• Conference Name: British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy Research Conference
• Conference Location: Leeds Beckett University
• Start Date: May 19, 2023
• End Date: May 20, 2023
• Deposit Date: Aug 7, 2023