We have developed this paper to summarise the study’s methodology, including data collection methods used, sample, and approach to analysis. This paper accompanies a series of briefing papers, and other outputs, that have been developed based on the findings from this study.
We asked participants to comment on some of the logistical and practical considerations surrounding the participation of young survivors, particularly in group-based activities.
One area we were interested in was the concept of ‘readiness’ – when and who decides when a young survivor may be ‘ready’ to be engaged in particular types of initiatives and activities, such as joining an advisory group or contributing to resource or project development.
We also wanted to understand more about risk assessment processes, who was involved in these processes and how they were undertaken.
We have produced this briefing to convey what participants shared in response to this topic.
Our research highlighted a number of issues that require careful thought and consideration when supporting the participation of young survivors in decision-making processes or activities that seek to address the sexual abuse and exploitation of other young people. Four areas that were particularly notable were:
• the potential for triggering
• feelings of anger and frustration
• public identity disclosure
• compensating young survivors for their time and contributions
We have produced this briefing to share what we found out about these complex issues – and to highlight that young people and professionals can have different views about them.
We have produced this briefing to share what our panel of experts felt were some of the potential positive outcomes for young survivors who engage in collective, group-based participation. While there was agreement that participatory group work could support a number of positive outcomes, it was also highlighted that this very much depended on the focus, aims, content and activities included in these sessions. Often there is potential for both positive and negative outcomes to co-exist.
Facilitators are key to moderating the potential outcomes for young survivors engaged in participatory group work. Facilitators being equipped with the right skills, experience and knowledge is central to supporting positive outcomes.
The findings from this study illustrated that there are many factors to consider that may influence and determine the outcomes associated with the participation of young survivors of child sexual abuse and exploitation. Five key messages were identified:
This report shares learning from a participatory advocacy project addressing sexual violence with young women in Albania, Moldova and Serbia. The report draws on M&E data collected as part of the project to explore key themes and lessons learnt.
This briefing paper, the final of four, is based on exploratory research into peer support for young people who have experienced sexual violence. This briefing paper explores one area of the findings, the risks, tensions and challenges associated with peer support interventions.
This briefing paper, the third of four, is based on exploratory research into peer support for young people who have experienced sexual violence. This briefing paper focusses on one area of the findings related to the value for those: receiving peer based support; giving support and; organisations supporting such initiatives.
This briefing is based on a review of the literature that was carried out in preparation for a scoping study that aimed to learn lessons from those engaged in peer support interventions for young people who had experienced sexual violence.
This briefing paper, the first of four, provides a brief introduction and overview of a research project which aimed to explore peer support for young people affected by sexual violence.
This report shares findings from an international scoping review conducted by the International Centre on the engagement of children and young people in participatory research on sexual violence. The report discusses a range of ethical and practical challenges of involving vulnerable children and young people in participatory research on sensitive issues and draws out key considerations for research practice.
This review formed part of the Life Skills, Leadership and Limitless Potential project (LEAP).The aims of this literature review were to; review the global literature on life skills and leadership initiatives for vulnerable and/or hard to reach children and young people, including relevant projects that aim to prevent sexual violence and take a participatory or peer-led approach within their work; collate existing information about the value of life skills and leadership projects and programmes in order to inform the plans for participatory and creative workshops to develop the LEAP toolkit and; provide case studies illustrating what we know about life skills and leadership training for vulnerable children and young people.
This review is part of the Life Skills, Leadership and Limitless Potential (LEAP) project. This literature review concentrates on the nature and scope of participation of children and young people who are affected by sexual violence and receive services relating to this.
Making Justice Work was a one year participatory pilot research project. The research explored young people’s experiences of the criminal justice system in child sexual exploitation (CSE) cases,and the ways in which these could be improved.
This report presents the findings of a desk top review into activities across Europe involving young people as participants in efforts to prevent sexual violence against children. The work was initiated and supported by the Council of Europe programme 'Building a Europe for and with Children', with the Institute of Applied Social Research
