Dr Elspeth McInnes is a sociologist and Senior Lecturer in the School of Education at the University of South Australia and Director of the deLissa Institute of Early Childhood and Family Studies. Her research interests have focused on gender, social policy and family violence. Elspeth’s doctoral research examined the social policy context and impact of family violence on mothers’ transitions into single parent households. Her continuing research and teaching interests include the impact of violence and abuse on children and the ways in which domestic violence impacts on mothers’ parenting. Dr McInnes was made a Member of the Order of Australia (2006) for her volunteer advocacy on behalf of sole parents and was also awarded the Centenary Medal (2001) for her work in the community sector as the Executive Officer, then volunteer Convenor of the National Council of Single Mothers and their Children (1996-2007). Dr McInnes is a former Vice President (2003-05) and Executive member of the Board of Governors of the Australian Council of Social Service and a current volunteer policy advisor to ACOSS on issues of income, work and education.

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