Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) organisations play a critical role in supporting some of the most vulnerable individuals in society. A new toolkit, developed by Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) in partnership with the P.H.O.E.B.E. Centre (Promotion of Health, Opportunity, Equality, Benevolence and Empowerment), is helping these organisations engage with research in a way that is safe, ethical and impactful.
The Ethical Research Engagement Toolkit: A Practical Resource for Domestic Abuse and Specialist VAWG Support Services (PDF) has been co-created through a knowledge exchange collaboration between ARU and the Suffolk-based P.H.O.E.B.E. Centre, a specialist domestic abuse organisation.
Research offers valuable opportunities for organisations working in the domestic abuse and VAWG sector to strengthen their services, influence policy and amplify the voices of survivors. However, many organisations face complex challenges when deciding whether – and how – to participate in research. These include safeguarding participants, ensuring informed consent, and managing the potential risks and benefits for both staff and service users.
This new toolkit responds directly to those challenges. Designed as a practical resource, it supports organisations to make informed decisions about engaging in research, while prioritising the safety, wellbeing and dignity of the people they support.
Developed by Dr Yemisi Sloane, Lecturer in Criminology and Policing in ARU's School of Humanities and Social Sciences, and Mollin Delve, Chief Executive Officer of the P.H.O.E.B.E. Centre, the toolkit brings together academic insight and frontline experience. It provides clear, accessible guidance on key principles such as survivor safety, accountability, reciprocity and cultural sensitivity.
The resource also includes a suite of practical tools and templates, including research-readiness assessments, due diligence checklists and partnership planning frameworks. Together, these tools help organisations assess opportunities, ask the right questions and build ethical, mutually beneficial research partnerships.
"Domestic abuse and VAWG organisations are frequently approached to participate in research, but often receive little guidance on how to ensure this is done safely and ethically. We wanted to create a practical resource that enables organisations to engage confidently with research while protecting the wellbeing and interests of the people they serve."
Dr Yemisi Sloane"Research plays an important role in shaping how we deliver our services. However, it is essential that it is conducted responsibly and in ways that are not extractive. This toolkit gives organisations like ours the confidence and tools to make informed decisions and engage in research that delivers real value."
Mollin DelveThis collaboration reflects ARU’s commitment to working in partnership to deliver research with real-world impact. By combining academic expertise with sector knowledge, the project demonstrates how universities and specialist organisations can co-create solutions that strengthen practice and support communities.