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Abstract

Qualitative research involving battered women requires advanced planning to protect participants and the investigator from the risk of violence from an abusive partner. Domestic violence creates a potentially dangerous research environment that is seldom discussed in the literature. The use of a safety protocol has been advocated as a way to ensure that research is conducted with maximum safeguards for the participating women. In this article, the author presents a safety protocol developed for a study of battered women’s perceptions of danger in their relationships. Issues that relate to safely contacting participants, conducting the interviews, and protecting data are discussed.

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Developing a Safety Protocol in Qualitative Research Involving Battered Women

Abstract

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