Responding to complexity: improving service provision for survivors of domestic abuse with ‘complex needs’

This paper discusses the findings of a mixed-methods research study conducted in an English city, Nottingham. The study examined the ‘Response to Complexity’ (R2C) project, aimed at increasing support for survivors of domestic and sexual abuse with ‘complex needs’ (defined by services as: substance and/or alcohol misuse and/or mental health and/or English as a foreign language). In-depth interviews with practitioners and survivors; participant observation of R2C Steering Group meetings; and statistical outcome data was used to evaluate R2C. One of the successes of the project was the provision of wrap around support that met the needs of the women, rather than the women being further marginalised trying to meet the needs of the service. Additionally, the work of the R2C Steering Group provided an example of best practice in multi-agency partnership working to ensure better service provision for survivors. The focus of this paper is to provide discussion of the qualitative element of the study, which explored the needs and experiences of survivors of domestic abuse and what their experiences of a new service might mean in relation to policy in terms of defining and responding to ‘complex needs’ and multi-agency partnership working