Catherine Donovan is Professor of Social Relations and leads research in the Centre for Applied Social Sciences. She teaches undergraduate modules across the department and is involved in PhD supervision and the development of research activities. Catherine's research interests are broadly in the fields of sexuality, the family and intimacy, particularly around domestic violence and ‘families of choice’. Her work has included an exploration of the medicalisation of fertility (ESRC studentship) the construction of ‘families of choice’ in non-heterosexual communities (ESRC) comparing love and violence in same sex and heterosexual relationships (ESRC) longitudinal evaluation of domestic violence early intervention projects in a rural and an urban are (Northern Rock Foundation) and the abusive practices of those in lesbian, gay bisexual and/or trans relationships (ESRC). She is currently also involved with colleagues in examining the impact of the recent spending cuts on regional partners providing a range of public services.