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A University of Ulster 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%u2019s 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.''