Research

PhD Research

Survivor employment in the VAWG sector

My Doctoral Study

My PhD research explores how domestic abuse sector organisations support women employees who are themselves survivors of abuse.

It examines how lived experience shapes recruitment, induction, supervision, and progression — and how workplaces can respond in ways that are both trauma-informed and empowering.

Using a qualitative multiple-case study design, the study draws on a liberal feminist framework and feminist post-structuralist methodology to centre women’s voices and challenge traditional narratives of professionalism and recovery. The research aims to inform compassionate employment practices and organisational cultures that recognise survival as a source of strength rather than stigma.

My Master’s Degree

My Master’s degree in Domestic & Sexual Violence at the University of Worcester also focused on this area and provided the building blocks for my doctoral proposal.

Why this research is for survivors

A significant proportion of women who survive domestic abuse and coercive control experienced disrupted education. I didn’t see myself as academic. My teenage relationship abuse resulted in me rarely attending school and leaving well before sitting any exams. Although I have collected a number of qualifications in the intervening years, I was in my late fifties before undertaking post graduate education.

In addition, I understand first hand the barriers faced by survivors of domestic or sexual violence who work in the VAWG sector. When I entered this work over 30 years ago, my experiences of abuse were still raw. As the sector shifts away from traditional models that supported and empowered survivors towards competitive tendering, it is important we understand the needs and experiences of survivors, and all women, employed in this space.

All of my work, my contributions, research, training and materials are made in honour of all those who survived, and those who did not.