Science Shop Administrator, Claire Mulrone, winner Cara McGrory and Marie Brown, Foyle Womens Aid.

A UU student who investigated domestic violence in same sex relationships has won this year’s Science Shop award. The annual Science Shop event showcases the best research projects by students from UU and Queen’s that have made a significant contribution to the community.

Cara McGrory - a Criminology and Criminal Justice student at the University’s Jordanstown Campus - worked in partnership with Foyle Women’s Aid and Rainbow to carry out her research.

“The problem of domestic violence among same sex partners has been hidden for many years,” said Cara.

“Domestic violence has been defined as violence by men against women and children. Same sex domestic violence has been considered non-existent or the fault of the individual’s sexuality. This research challenged the notion of abuse against the gay and lesbian community and argues that policy should be directed to providing the kind of help for abused members of the gay and lesbian community which until now has only been available to heterosexual women.”

Marie Brown, Director of Foyle Women’s Aid said: “The UU Science Shop enables Foyle Women’s Aids to explore new issues that influence our policy development and services.  Cara’s excellent report demonstrates the need for this issue to be recognised by key stakeholders and is particularly timely given recent legislative changes for same sex couples.”

Science Shop Administrator Claire Mulrone said: “Cara addressed a difficult topic that will help to inform voluntary and statutory agencies on how best to address the issue of domestic violence in same sex relationships. She is a very deserving winner of this award.”

Professor Anne Moran, Dean of the Faculty of Social Science added: “I am extremely pleased that this year’s Science Shop award will go to a student from the School of Policy Studies. Staff and students have been consistently committed to the work of the Science Shop Cara is the first Criminology and Criminal Justice student winner.”

Sociology student Lynsey Mayberry was the Queen’s University winner. Lynsey investigated drug abuse among young people in the Coleraine area in partnership with Coleraine Rural and Urban Network.

The Science Shop at the University of Ulster is part of the Academic Development and Student Services portfolio, operating within the Department of Access and Educational Partnerships.

For further information, please contact:

Press Office, Department of Communication and Development
Tel: 028 9036 6178
Email: pressoffice@ulster.ac.uk