Network Aims
The VAMHN is a UKRI funded network that aims to reduce the prevalence of mental health problems among children, working age adults, and the elderly, by bringing together experts with different ways of thinking about violence, abuse and mental health - some have personal experience of these issues, others have expertise from the work that they do, and survivor researchers have expertise born of lived experience and their work.
Understanding, preventing and reducing the impact of violence and abuse on mental health requires that we resolve problems that have prevented progress in the past.
Firstly, different organisations mean different things when they talk about violence and abuse. This has meant that violence and abuse, and mental health, are measured in different ways by different organisations, and information collected about violence and abuse does not tell us what we need to know. For example, mental health surveys sometimes ask about violence, but do not ask about the relationship between the victim or perpetrator, what type of violence was experienced, or how it impacted on mental health.
Secondly, we have limited knowledge of how and why experiencing different types of violence and abuse increases the risk of developing mental disorders, or how new digital technologies are changing people's experiences of abuse and how this impacts on mental health.
Thirdly, we do not have interventions that are effective in preventing or reducing violence experienced by people with mental health problems, or programmes that reduce the risk of mental health problems developing after experiences of violence or abuse
The activities of this network will address these challenges through:
The network will take a cross-disciplinary approach to tackling these issues with academics from a wide range of fields and backgrounds with expertise in the study of violence, abuse and mental health. These include psychiatrists, sociologists, historians and computer scientists. This approach will facilitate a better understanding of the determinants of mental health problems; pathways to resilience; improved experiences of health and social care; and more effective interventions.
We aim to make our results known by publicising them widely through our network and other organisations, including policy makers within NHS England, Public Health England and the National Institute for Health and Social Care Excellence, technology companies and the general public.
The VAMHN is a UKRI funded network that aims to reduce the prevalence of mental health problems among children, working age adults, and the elderly, by bringing together experts with different ways of thinking about violence, abuse and mental health - some have personal experience of these issues, others have expertise from the work that they do, and survivor researchers have expertise born of lived experience and their work.
Understanding, preventing and reducing the impact of violence and abuse on mental health requires that we resolve problems that have prevented progress in the past.
Firstly, different organisations mean different things when they talk about violence and abuse. This has meant that violence and abuse, and mental health, are measured in different ways by different organisations, and information collected about violence and abuse does not tell us what we need to know. For example, mental health surveys sometimes ask about violence, but do not ask about the relationship between the victim or perpetrator, what type of violence was experienced, or how it impacted on mental health.
Secondly, we have limited knowledge of how and why experiencing different types of violence and abuse increases the risk of developing mental disorders, or how new digital technologies are changing people's experiences of abuse and how this impacts on mental health.
Thirdly, we do not have interventions that are effective in preventing or reducing violence experienced by people with mental health problems, or programmes that reduce the risk of mental health problems developing after experiences of violence or abuse
The activities of this network will address these challenges through:
- Working with people who have personal experience of violence, abuse, and mental health problems to learn from different perspectives, and generate fresh ideas and research questions, with a focus on the commonest types of violence- domestic and sexual violence and abuse;
- Answering research questions through small grant competitions, workshops, conferences, and other events; some of these will lead to larger grant applications;
- Sharing measurement approaches, including how to ethically and safely research this area, which will help data collection and analysis by health services, the criminal justice system, family courts, social care, charities, and researchers. We will also develop an online resource providing information about datasets that can be used in research in the future.
The network will take a cross-disciplinary approach to tackling these issues with academics from a wide range of fields and backgrounds with expertise in the study of violence, abuse and mental health. These include psychiatrists, sociologists, historians and computer scientists. This approach will facilitate a better understanding of the determinants of mental health problems; pathways to resilience; improved experiences of health and social care; and more effective interventions.
We aim to make our results known by publicising them widely through our network and other organisations, including policy makers within NHS England, Public Health England and the National Institute for Health and Social Care Excellence, technology companies and the general public.
Who is the Network for?
The Violence, Abuse and Mental Health Network will benefit a wide range of academics and practitioners through its work. The network will enable new research collaborations across disciplines and so will allow more innovation and a greater lasting impact. It will also address existing gaps in evidence around issues relating to violence and mental health, which will broaden the understanding of how violence and abuse impacts on mental health and mental health interventions.
However, the research being carried out is not solely for academics, it will benefit many other groups in a variety of ways.
How do I join the Network?
Network members will receive regular updates about the network and invitations to network events.
If you are interested in joining the Violence, Abuse and Mental Health Network, click here.
Early Career Researchers, members of NGOs and survivors of sexual and/or domestic violence will be able to apply for travel bursaries to attend network events.
The Violence, Abuse and Mental Health Network will benefit a wide range of academics and practitioners through its work. The network will enable new research collaborations across disciplines and so will allow more innovation and a greater lasting impact. It will also address existing gaps in evidence around issues relating to violence and mental health, which will broaden the understanding of how violence and abuse impacts on mental health and mental health interventions.
However, the research being carried out is not solely for academics, it will benefit many other groups in a variety of ways.
- People with mental health problems who are survivors of violence and abuse will be supported more effectively as a result of the development of more appropriate interventions and trauma informed care.
- The general population will better understand the impact of violence and abuse on mental health through public engagement activities and the media, and through education.
- Training of mental health professionals will improve as it will be more informed by a greater understanding of the impact of violence and abuse on mental health.
- The third sector, self-help groups and community groups, will benefit through opportunities for collaborations which could result in new ways to analyse data, in addition to developing new understandings of violence, abuse and mental health.
- Research of relevance will be fed back to relevant bodies including the Home Office, DHSC, NICE, Health Education England, NHS England National Safeguarding Steering Group and Safeguarding Lead Networks, Mental Health Policy Research Unit, and Royal College conferences.
- Technologists such as software developers, manufacturers and engineers will understand how technical systems and platforms can be used in violence and abuse cases and ultimately impact on mental health e.g. cyber-bullying and controlling behaviour in 'smart' and internet-connected homes.
- The police, HM Prison and Probation service will understand more about the violence and abuse experienced by mentally disordered victims and perpetrators. Furthermore, we will provide opportunities to discuss how criminal justice can better liaise with mental health services, and understand the factors that increase risks of violence, suicide, and re-victimization in those with mental health conditions
How do I join the Network?
Network members will receive regular updates about the network and invitations to network events.
If you are interested in joining the Violence, Abuse and Mental Health Network, click here.
Early Career Researchers, members of NGOs and survivors of sexual and/or domestic violence will be able to apply for travel bursaries to attend network events.
Events and Activities
As part of the network, we are organising a number of events including the final network conference which will provide practitioners with opportunities to contribute their expertise and meet and learn from other professionals with a shared interest in violence, abuse, and mental health.
Currently we are planning the following events that are open to all:
Follow this link to see additional information on any of these events
As part of the network, we are organising a number of events including the final network conference which will provide practitioners with opportunities to contribute their expertise and meet and learn from other professionals with a shared interest in violence, abuse, and mental health.
Currently we are planning the following events that are open to all:
- December 7th 2018: Violence, Abuse and Mental Health Network: Launch Event
- March 11th 2019: Open Network Meeting We’ll be sharing findings from our research priorities survey; hosting roundtable discussions on network opportunities and challenges, engagement, and coproduction; and hearing research presentations from the Domestic Homicide Research Network and Safe Lives, with further speakers to be confirmed.
- October 7th 2019: The Second VAMHN Network meeting will be taking place at the Institute of Mental Health in the University of Nottingham. It will run from 10am - 4pm. Click here to get your ticket.
- Dates TBC - A series of guest lectures open to the public at Higher Education Institutions around the country.
- Dates TBC - Semi-annual network meetings to discuss strategy, ongoing research and potential future activities.
Follow this link to see additional information on any of these events
Ongoing Relevant Research
Through this site we are hoping to promote other relevant research that is planned or currently being carried out. If you are interested in having your work highlighted or contacting others who have an interest in the area you are researching, please contact the VAMHN coordinator on vamhn@kcl.ac.uk. We can post information on the site or include details of the project in our monthly newsletter.
For information on some of the research related to violence, abuse and mental health that is being carried out, please follow this link.
Through this site we are hoping to promote other relevant research that is planned or currently being carried out. If you are interested in having your work highlighted or contacting others who have an interest in the area you are researching, please contact the VAMHN coordinator on vamhn@kcl.ac.uk. We can post information on the site or include details of the project in our monthly newsletter.
For information on some of the research related to violence, abuse and mental health that is being carried out, please follow this link.
Funding opportunities
The network will be running a number of small grant competitions. Our first competition on the theme of measurement has now closed. Our second competition will open in 2020 with more details being announced via our newsletter. To sign up to our monthly newsletter click here.
The network will be running a number of small grant competitions. Our first competition on the theme of measurement has now closed. Our second competition will open in 2020 with more details being announced via our newsletter. To sign up to our monthly newsletter click here.