My research focuses on the experiences of survivors of gender-based violence, in hopes of better understanding how professionals and services – especially counselling, therapy, and other healthcare agencies – can respond to survivors’ needs with understanding, dignity, and respect. I am also interested in the role of media in challenging gender-based violence and as a source of meaning, justice, and activism for survivors.
My PhD research was on women’s experiences of victim blame from agencies and professionals (Beddows, 2022). The thesis is available here.
Talks on my research
- Responding to sexual abuse survivors. University of Hertfordshire, May 2023.
- Women’s experiences of victim blame from agencies following sexual violence. Crime, Justice and Society seminars, University of Edinburgh, January 2023.
Research briefings
- ‘It was everything’. Women’s experiences of agency responses following sexual violence. Feb. 2023.
- Rethinking victim blame: More than victims, more than blame. June 2023.
- Creating spaces for survivors: A case study. July 2023.
- Trauma-informed vs trauma-sensitive practice. May 2024.
- A four aspect model for supporting survivors: Jan 2025.
- Empowerment or Responsibilisation? May, 2025.
Dr Amy Beddows 