I am also an independent social sciences researcher, focusing on the experiences of survivors of sexual violence or domestic abuse. My research aims to better understand how professionals and services – especially counselling, therapy, and healthcare agencies – can respond to survivors’ needs effectively, with dignity and respect. I am also interested in the role that media can play in challenging gender-based violence and as a source of meaning, justice, and activism for survivors (see Media Therapy).
My PhD research was on women’s experiences of victim blame from agencies and professionals (Beddows, 2022). My thesis is available here.
Research Talks
- 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.
