A profile of gender-based violence research in Europe: findings from a focused mapping review and synthesis 

Caroline Bradbury-Jones, Maria Clark, Eija Paavilaainen, Jane Appleton

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

3 Citations (Scopus)
518 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

This article reports the findings from a new form of review: a focused mapping review and synthesis. The aim was to create a contemporary, snapshot profile of the nature and scope of gender-based violence (GBV) studies conducted in Europe. GBV is one of the most prevalent human rights violations in the world affecting mainly women and girls. The policy context of GBV in Europe has gathered momentum in recent years, but we do not have a clear picture of how this relates to research activity. Thirteen journals were purposively selected on their likelihood to publish GBV research. All articles published in these journals during 2015 and meeting our inclusion criteria were retrieved. Data were extracted according to (1) types of methodologies used, (2) geographical location of research, and (3) patterns of research activity/interest. Thirty-two articles met the inclusion criteria. Many titles and abstracts were not explicit about the gendered nature of the research which made retrieval and analysis difficult. A range of methodologies were reported, with single-country research conducted more than international collaborations. Intimate partner violence and sexual abuse attracted most research interest. No studies explored female genital mutilation/cutting and only one investigated early and forced marriage. The findings have implications regarding GBV research in Europe, and we explore them in relation to relevant European policy. Researchers can help raise the profile of the gendered nature of most violence-related research by being explicit about this in their publications. Increasing opportunities for cross-national research will help address the global nature of GBV. Tackling GBV requires synergy of empirical evidence and policy to drive the agenda.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)470-483
Number of pages14
JournalTrauma, Violence and Abuse
Volume20
Issue number4
Early online date13 Jul 2017
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Oct 2019

Keywords

  • cultural contexts
  • domestic violence
  • hate crimes
  • intergenerational transmission of trauma
  • intervention/treatment
  • stalking

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Health(social science)
  • Applied Psychology
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'A profile of gender-based violence research in Europe: findings from a focused mapping review and synthesis '. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this