VR resource will give judges a new perspective on the impact of domestic abuse

An innovative new resource will give judges a realistic insight into how harm caused by domestic abuse may impact survivors in family court proceedings.

“Through the Eyes of Another” uses virtual reality (VR) technology to provide an immersive experience, which enables the viewer to objectively consider domestic abuse as it unfolds in the ordinary moments of life.

The virtual reality film will see the journey of a survivor from the early moments of a relationship in their own living room, to coming face-to-face with the perpetrator in the family justice system.

The viewer will be guided throughout by an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA), who will reflect on key moments to improve awareness and understanding.

The resource ends by hearing directly from survivors, who have worked in collaboration with a range of partners to create an authentic and powerful training product.

It has been endorsed – and features an introduction - by Baroness Brenda Hale, the former President of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom.

The project was funded by the Police and Crime Commissioners for Northumbria, Durham and Cleveland and developed in partnership with Teesside University through expertise in its TUCAN Studios.

Durham PCC Joy Allen said: “I believe that we have a collective responsibility to tackle domestic abuse and we must all rise to the challenge.  That’s why I am grateful to the Judiciary for approaching me and my fellow Commissioners with this proposal designed to improve judicial responses to domestic abuse and coercive control.

“In addition, this project would not have been possible without listening to the voices of those adult and child victims who have directly experienced the court process and I thank them all.

“‘Through the Eyes of Another’ is a new and totally original resource.  It really is breaking new ground and I’m sure it will make an impact on every viewer.”

Jack Fahey, Senior Creative Producer at Teesside University’s TUCAN Studios, said: ‘The immersive experience we are able to create through VR technologies at the University really helps audiences to consider different perspectives, allowing the user to engage with sensitive topics like domestic violence in a much more realistic and emotive way.

“The collaborative nature of this project has been really key in making it a success and we’re proud to be working with the regional police commissioners and the Teesside Combined Courts to deliver impact within such an important issue.’

The project was launched at Teesside University on Tuesday 10th September 2024.

The resource will be available for the judiciary across the North East as well as other professionals working in the Family Court.