Putting Women First: Ethical and Safety Recommendations for Research on Domestic Violence Against Women

Abstract

The most common type of violence against women worldwide is domestic violence, or the physical, emotional and/or sexual abuse of women by their intimate partners or ex-partners. This document outlines the recommendations developed by the World Health Organization regarding the ethical and safety issues associated with planning and conducting domestic violence research. They are designed for use both by anyone intending to do research on domestic violence against women (e.g. investigators, project co-ordinators and others implementing such research) and also by those initiating or reviewing such research (e.g. donors, research ethical committees, etc.).