Aroussi, S., Dartnall, E., Nevatia, T., Crisóstomo, M., Watson, J., & Markowitz, A. (2025). SVRI Knowledge Exchange: Surviving research and survivor researchers: Breaking barriers and building support. Sexual Violence Research Initiative; Raising Voices; University of Leeds.

Abstract

Despite the widespread, endemic nature of VAW and VAC, there are no studies that estimate its prevalence amongst researchers and only a patchwork understanding of how survivorship – the fact or condition of being a survivor – shapes the field and affects researchers themselves. Aiming to fill this gap, this Knowledge Exchange examines how survivors research violence, abuse, victimhood, and survivorship, with the aim to spark a conversation around the challenges that survivors face whilst doing VAW/VAC research and what enables and/or motivates them to pursue a career in this field. Such understanding can help us develop better tailored support for researchers’ wellbeing. The report also highlights some peer support initiatives as well as organisational guidelines and recommendations to encourage research institutions to systemize self- and collective care.