Miss Shannon Murray

(she/her)

Research

My research focuses on intimate partner violence (IPV) and inequities in substance use services, particularly for vulnerable and minoritised populations. I specialise in examining how public health policies and interventions impact service delivery and outcomes, with particular expertise in:

• Intimate partner violence among men and LGBTQ+ communities
• Substance use policy evaluation
• Health equity in service provision
• LGBTQ+ health and substance use experiences
• Crisis response in substance use services
• Mixed-methods research approaches

Funding Success

• HCRW funding for prison journeys and substance use experiences research
• KEIF Funding secured for LGBTQ+ substance use research and toolkit development
• Welsh Government-funded evaluation of Minimum Unit Pricing policy
• Welsh Government-funded evaluation of Buvidal in Wales
• HMPPS-funded evaluation into the Substance Use Officer Role in Wales

Projects

Doctoral Research at Cardiff University

Nearing completion of doctoral research examining intimate partner violence experiences among gay and bisexual men, with findings forthcoming in a public health special issue publication.

Minimum Unit Pricing for Alcohol in Wales

Contributing to the five-year longitudinal evaluation of this significant policy intervention, examining its impacts across different drinking populations.

Prison Journeys and Substance Use Experiences

Key team member in an HCRW-funded collaboration with Public Health Wales investigating prison journeys and substance use experiences to reduce harms.

Buvidal Treatment Effectiveness

Working in partnership with Her Majesty's Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) to assess the effectiveness of long-acting injectable buprenorphine (Buvidal) treatment.

Substance Use Officer Role Evaluation

Evaluating the implementation and impact of the Substance Use Officer role within correctional settings.

Precursor Chemical Controls in the Illicit Drug Trade

Recently completed a systematic review with Dr Luca Giommoni at Cardiff University evaluating the effectiveness of precursor chemical controls on illicit drug markets.

Child to Parent Domestic Abuse

Contributing author to forthcoming publication examining dynamics and interventions for child to parent domestic abuse (currently in review).

Recent Publications and Impact

Lessons from COVID-19: Perspectives of Senior Managers and Decision-Makers in Substance Use Services in Wales

This research revealed significant disparities between third sector and statutory NHS services during the pandemic, particularly in access to PPE and recognition as essential workers. The findings have informed recommendations for more equitable and resilient substance use services in preparation for future crises.

Assessing the Early Influence of COVID-19 in an Analysis of the Immediate Implementation of Minimum Pricing for Alcohol on Drinkers in Wales

Our telephone interviews with 32 drinkers revealed that COVID-19 had more immediate impact than the Minimum Pricing for Alcohol legislation, with harmful drinkers particularly affected by the price increases. This work contributes to the ongoing evaluation of this major policy intervention.

"It's called homophobia baby": Exploring LGBTQ+ Substance Use and Treatment Experiences in the UK

I led this project examining substance use patterns and treatment experiences among LGBTQ+ individuals across the UK. The research highlighted the influence of stigma and discrimination on both substance use behaviours and treatment engagement. This work directly informed the development of a practical toolkit now implemented across Gwent Drug and Alcohol Services (GDAS) to improve service provision for LGBTQ+ clients.

Thesis

“It’s Just Two Guys Fighting”: Exploring IPV through the Experiences of Gay and Bisexual Men in England and Wales

This research explores the experiences and needs of gay and bisexual (GB) men who have encountered Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) in England and Wales. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), the study examines three key areas: the nature of abuse experienced by GB men, the distinct characteristics of identity-based abuse, and the impact of sexual identity on help-seeking behaviours. Through a multi-method approach combining qualitative surveys (n=59), follow-up in-depth interviews (n=8), and innovative photo elicitation sessions (n=2), the research places participants' lived experiences at the centre of the investigation.

The findings reveal how heteronormative assumptions and hegemonic masculinity create unique barriers to recognition and support for GB male victims. Participants reported sophisticated patterns of abuse that capitalised on internalised homophobia, masculine identity norms, and additional vulnerabilities such as age, religion, and language barriers. The study identified specific tactics used by perpetrators, including threats of 'outing' and manipulation of societal marginalisation, whilst also uncovering significant gaps in service provision and institutional responses to GB male victims.

This research challenges traditional gendered narratives of IPV by demonstrating that power and control dynamics manifest similarly across different relationship contexts whilst acknowledging the unique barriers faced by GB men. The findings contribute to both applied and theoretical understandings of IPV, particularly expanding criminological knowledge through a detailed examination of GB male experiences. This work addresses a significant gap in current literature, particularly within the context of Wales and England, where research on GB men's experiences of IPV has been notably scarce.

The study has important implications for policymakers and service providers, offering insights that can inform more inclusive and effective approaches to IPV support and intervention for LGBTQ+ communities. The findings highlight the urgent need for expanded awareness, improved support services, and more nuanced policy approaches that acknowledge the diverse experiences of IPV survivors, regardless of their gender or sexual identity.

Supervisors

Kirsty Hudson

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