Family violence in the north: what do we know and where do we go from here?

This paper has attempted to outline questions which should and should not be part of a Northern research agenda. There is, in my view, a large need for continued applied and evaluative research which will make a direct contribution to ending violence against women and children. Both researchers and funding bodies have a responsibility to ensure that limited resources are used wisely and, in particular, that the funding of any research project be contingent upon a clear demonstration of the direct and immediate relevance of the findings to the development and improvement of services.