About
DkIT RiVeR Project
Responding to the
Impacts of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence
The DkIT RiVeR Project (Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) Responding to the Impacts of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence: Multi-Agency Education, Research and Training Initiatives) is an ambitious project which is targeted towards ongoing research whilst broadening the availability and opportunities for education and training to cohorts that are most in need of further support and education in the area of Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence (DSGBV).
The RiVeR project which has been funded under the Higher Education Authority (HEA) Performance Funding scheme (Total funding €833,333) commenced in March 2023 and will run for a three year period. The HEA awards performance funding in recognition of the exemplary contributions that higher education institutions are making to society, the environment and economy at local, national and international levels. Click here for more information
The RiVeR Project funding comes as a result of the successful multi-agency ‘Certificate in the Fundamentals of Understanding and Responding to Domestic Abuse’ programme (FURDA) which has been running in the School of Health and Science in DkIT since 2016 and was the first accredited education programme of its kind in Ireland. For More Details about the Launch in 2016 Click Here.
There are over 250 graduates of the FURDA programme from across Ireland and from a broad range of backgrounds most of whom come into regular contact with victims of DSGBV. Key learning points that emerged from this programme were centred on the need to expand and extend the provision of education, training and research in the area of DSGBV. The vision for the RiVeR Project was borne out of this identified need. Ensuring that these evidence informed learning opportunities are equitable, inclusive, manageable and meaningful are key drivers. DkIT in partnership with key stakeholders aims to incorporate systematic continuous evaluation into these activities and to build a community of practice in relation to education and training in this field. This initiative will also drive discussion and debate to inform national policy. In addition, the project intends to develop educational resources for higher education institutions to raise awareness of DSGBV and build further capacity in this field. See The RiVeR Project Strategic Objectives
Dr. Edel Healy
Executive Project Lead, DkIT President’s Office & Chair of RiVeR Project Steering Committee
Building an All-Island Community of Practice in the area of DSGBV
The RiVeR Project Steering Committee consists of members with expertise in the area of DSGBV including a Domestic Violence activist, representatives from Barnardos, Women’s Aid Dundalk, An Garda Síochána, Drogheda Women’s & Children’s Refuge, Ulster University, Men’s Aid Ireland, The Department of Justice, Coxs Demesne Youth and Community Project Dundalk, Health Service Executive, University of Galway and Louth Children and Young People’s Services Committee. The first meeting of the RiVeR Project Steering Committee was held in May 2023.
The Steering Committee will inform the development and implementation of the RiVeR Project and provide strategic focus, vision and oversight to support all aspects of this ground-breaking initiative. See Steering Committee Members Profiles.
In addition to Steering Committee membership, the RiVeR Project aims to develop and expand an all-Island Community of Practice in the area of DSGBV. It is doing this in a multitude of ways including via its newsletters and social media presence, hosting workshops and conferences and ongoing delivery of DSGBV programmes.
Dr. Kathleen Nallen
Project Lead for the RiVeR Project
Strategic Objectives
Programme Evaluation and Development
A robust mixed method evaluation of the existing ‘Certificate in the Fundamentals of Understanding and Responding to Domestic Abuse (FURDA)’ programme involving graduates and relevant stakeholders to be completed by the end of year 1. Based on the findings, a modified accredited multi-agency Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence educational programme(s) will be delivered.
Community of Practice
An all-Island Community of Practice in the area of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence will be created. Sharing of information will take place through a national annual event (stakeholder workshops/conference). Throughout the lifetime of the project, awareness raising, capacity building, research and promotion of discourse in the field will be demonstrated through the development and establishment of a Centre of Excellence in the field of DSGBV in DkIT, in collaboration with stakeholders.
Research
Strategic research priorities in the field shall be identified through consultation with stakeholders and analysis of the literature. Two MSc. Research students shall be recruited to undertake research projects related to the area of DSGBV.
Learning Resources
Focused, accessible and sustainable re-useable learning resources (RLO’s) and stackable Micro-credentials for front line professionals and support staff will be developed and made available. These will be based on evolving national needs. A minimum of three Micro-credentials shall be developed which will be aligned to the three ‘Prevention, Protection & Policy’ Pillars of the ‘Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual & Gender-Based Violence 2022-26'. The impact of the RLO’s and the Micro-credentials will be evaluated.
Education
Focused Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence educational resources for students and staff in the Higher Education Sector shall be developed, delivered and evaluated.
For RiVeR Project Queries or to Join Our Community of Practice
