An enquiry of ‘Every3Days’ a drama-based workshop developing professional collaboration for women experiencing domestic violence during pregnancy in the South East of England

Abstract

Objective this exploratory work examined and assessed the experiences of participants (n=90) using an interactive drama workshop to facilitate the planning and understanding of multiagency working around domestic violence during pregnancy. Design a descriptive research design was utilised to collect data from field observations, participant reflective feedback sheets and semi-structured telephone interviews. Participants participants invited to the workshop originated from a wide range of backgrounds including health and social care, criminal justice and the third sector. All participants were invited to complete the reflective feedback evaluation form. To enhance the comprehensiveness of the enquiry, semi-structured interviews were also conducted with 10 of the participants. Findings shared themes emerging from the data analysis included improved awareness of the consequences of domestic violence; greater understanding of multiple professional roles including the policy context and enhanced skill development. However, participants questioned the extent to which this approach impacted upon longer term practice and policy development. Key conclusions by centring attention on the emic perspective of women themselves, the drama approach developed professional's awareness, relationships, understanding and skills. Nevertheless, drama can be an expensive education tool. It is therefore essential that further research explores the longer term impacts on practice and outcomes for women that include cost-benefit analysis.