CM3S059 - Breaking the Silence: Examining Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence 01 Sep 2024 - 31 Aug 2030 | Version 1

Associated Module Information

Module Code: CM3S059
Module Title: Breaking the Silence: Examining Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence
Faculty: Faculty of Life Sciences and Education
Faculty Group: Policing and Criminology
Faculty Sub Group: Criminology
Module Leader: Joanna Roberts
Module Team: Daniel Welch, Helen Martin
First Intended Intake: SEP 2024 Final Year of Intake: 2029
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 6
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes:
HECOS Code Weighting:

Document Version Information

Version 1
Valid From 01 Sep 2024
Valid To 31 Aug 2030

Module Aims

The aim of this module is to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of violence against women, domestic abuse, and sexual violence (VAWDASV), including exploring theoretical perspectives. This module will also aim to introduce students to responses within policy and practice, examining both criminal justice and broader contexts. Furthermore, the aim of the module is to investigate the dynamics of victim/survivor and perpetrator roles in VAWDASV incidents.

Content Summary

Introduction to DASV in England and Wales:

·         Define DASV and outline theoretical frameworks within the specific socio-cultural context of England and Wales.

·         Identify affected demographics and introduce the module structure with a focus on regional relevance.

Measurement and Reporting within England and Wales:

·         Foster critical thinking about the measurement and reporting of domestic and sexual violence within the legal and social landscape of England and Wales.

·         Analyse official statistics and explore alternative data sources specific to the jurisdiction.

Legal and Policy Responses in England and Wales:

·         Examine legal, policy, and practical responses to DASV / VAWDASV, focusing on the criminal justice system within the jurisdiction of England and Wales.

·         Explore the specific approaches, cases, procedures, and sentencing within the English and Welsh legal frameworks.

Survivor Perspectives in England and Wales:

·         Host survivor guest speakers to share experiences and insights on justice within the unique context of England and Wales.

·         Explore the legislative and policy context addressing domestic abuse and supporting survivors within the legal frameworks of England and Wales.

Professional Perspectives and Research Training in England and Wales:

·         Draw upon professional experiences outside criminal justice agencies in addressing DASV/ VAWDASV within the specific context of England and Wales.

Equip students with practical research skills, covering quantitative and qualitative methods, ethics, trauma-informed approaches, collaboration with external organisations, addressing vicarious trauma, and working with vulnerable individuals within the legal frameworks of England and Wales.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Practical Classes and Workshops 36
Independent Study 84
Directed Study (including online independent learning) 80
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Critically evaluate the diverse manifestations of Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence, analysing its prevalence globally and engaging in sophisticated theoretical considerations.
LO2 Analyse critically how Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence is addressed within policy and practice both inside and outside of the criminal justice system (incorporating preventative and responsive measures).

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Synchronous Onsite Practical Assessment Practical Coursework (Onsite) 1 Students will take part of in simulated immersive learning exercise requiring them to apply key theories, concepts, and practices related to Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence. 0 2500 100 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Practical Coursework (Onsite) 1 ✔ ✔

Reading List

Harne, L. and Radford, J. (2008) Tackling Domestic Violence: Theories, Policies and Practice. Maidenhead: Open University Press.

Hester, M. (2013) ‘Who does what to whom? Gender and domestic violence perpetrators in English police records’, European Journal of Criminology, 10(5), pp. 623–637.

Monckton-Smith, J. (2021) In Control: Dangerous Relationships and How They End in Murder. London: Bloomsbury.

Stark, E. (2007) Coercive Control: How Men Entrap Women in Personal Life. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Walby, S., Olive, P., Towers, J., Francis, B. J., Strid, S., Krizsan, A., Lombardo, E., May-Chahal, C., Franzway, S., Sugarman, D., Aganwal, B. and Armstrong, J. (2015) Stopping rape: towards a comprehensive policy. Bristol: Policy Press.

World Health Organisation (2016) Ethical and Safety recommendations for intervention research on violence against women building on lessons from the WHO publication: Putting women first: ethical and safety recommendations for research on domestic violence against women. Geneva: World Health Organisation.