Elizabeth Martin started her PhD studentship within the School of Sociology, Social Policy and Social at Queen's University Belfast in February 2014. The main focus of Elizabeth's research is older women and domestic violence in Northern Ireland. She will also be looking at the issue of substance misuse amongst this population. Taking a qualitative approach, this study hopes to explore the lived experiences of older women who have been in violent relationships. The project will also examine what support services are available for these women with complex needs. Elizabeth's supervisors are Dr John Devaney and Dr Anne Lazenbatt.