Research on family and domestic violence, whether from a public health perspective or legal perspective, is recognised as a sensitive topic to research and introduces challenges not usually found when dealing with other research topics. These challenges are often compounded when the researcher is a part of the community group being researched. Notions of acceptable and unacceptable behaviours, and what constitutes harm, are culturally influenced and constantly under review as values and social norms evolve. Nonetheless, researchers within the South Sudanese community and ethics boards have an obligation to take every precaution to minimize harm and maximize research benefits. Such an obligation comes with experiences of conflicts between the following ethical principles for the South Sudanese researchers like myself: respect for cultural practices and cues, the notion of confidentiality, definition of family violence, the need to protect vulnerable populations, and respect for autonomy. Therefore, this paper discusses these particular challenges and advantages.
 
Bio: Akuch Kuol Anyieth is a graduate researcher in crime, justice, and legal studies. Her research engages with masculinity and domestic violence, examining customary law, pre-and post-migration experiences of South Sudanese families and how they adapt to the western rule of law in the diaspora. Akuch is the author of “South Sudanese Manhood and Family Crisis in the Diaspora” and her memoir “Unknown”. Among other boards, Akuch sits as an Editorial Board member for the Australian Feminist Law Journal. She is a frequent contributor to discussions about her community, youth, and families and on matters concerning refugees and social justice. Akuch has worked within the family violence sector, youth justice and community service and development. Currently, her PhD is examining Family Violence Intervention Orders within the South Sudanese community in
Victoria using a decolonial theoretical approach.