Influence of NGOs on domestic violence public policy

By Paige Fletcher

My doctoral research aims to examine the effectiveness of non-governmental organisations’ influence on policy formation by using a case study of feminist organisations and domestic violence public policy. More specifically, this research aims to examine whether an insider/outsider status impacts the effectiveness of feminist organisation in influencing and contributing to policy outcomes. This research will provide an understanding of whether feminist organisations are key in the development of public policy addressing gendered violence and the formation of feminist policy (rather than individuals within the public sector who identify as feminists).

I will utilise a triangulated approach in my methodology, with both primary and secondary data analysis to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the impact that a relationship with the state has on the ability of feminist organisations to formulate policy. Primary data will consist of semi-structured interviews with public servants and policymakers from the Departments responsible for the development and implementation of the case study as well as with members of both feminist insider and outsider organisations. The National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and their Children will be examined as the case study along with two state policies that are resulting from this federal policy; It Stops Here: The NSW Government’s Domestic and Family Violence Framework for Reform and the Victorian Family Violence Rolling Action Plan. Feminist insider and outsider organisations will be identified from the secondary data and from interviews with public servants and policymakers, however, a preliminary list includes Our Watch, Australian Women Against Violence Alliance (AWAVA), DV NSW, and Domestic Violence Victoria.

I presented this proposed research for my Confirmation of Candidature on Friday 29th November 2019 and received great feedback regarding my proposed research and methodology. This was my first experience presenting my research and so it was a little daunting at first, however, I thoroughly enjoyed speaking about my passion and my research.

If this research sounds like something you’d be interested in hearing more about, or potentially being interviewed for this research, please email me at: paige.fletcher@flinders.edu.au .