‘Thorny Issues’ webinar series
Introduction to the Learning Together webinar series
“I really like the mix of providing information and then problem-based discussions”. (Learning Together Webinar Participant, 2024)
As part of the Learning Together Project we hoped to build confidence and capacity among researchers for children’s engagement in research on CSA. To do this we ran a series of six Learning Together webinars – free for researchers globally. We refer to the webinar series as addressing ‘thorny issues’ because we aimed to create spaces to talk about difficult, challenging and sometimes uncomfortable aspects of research with children on CSA. This part of the project was about creating space for reflection, peer support and learning together – alongside inputs from experts in the field.
The focus of the six webinars in the series was determined by the findings from our survey – with each webinar aiming to respond to one of the key challenges that survey respondents asked for support with. Details of all six webinars, with copies of the slides and some key reading are included below.
The webinars were targeted both at those with experience of involving children and young people in sexual abuse research, and those who have yet to do so.
These events all took place in the first half of 2024. If would be interested in us running these events or something similar in the future please get in touch: camille.warrington@beds.ac.uk
Learning Together Research Team Events and Tickets | EventbriteSix webinars
Learning Together, Navigating Ethical Review Processes [PDF]
This webinar explores some of the challenges researchers can experience when navigating ethical review processes which govern sexual abuse research with children and young people; with specific reference to involving children and young people in such research. Whilst recognising that the requirements and nature of ethical review processes vary by institution and setting, we share some ‘top tips’ for approaching such processes, drawing on our experiences of obtaining ethical approval and sitting on ethics review bodies within the UK.
Learning Together, Managing Disclosures [PDF]
The webinar began by sharing the facilitators’ experiences of planning for, and managing, disclosures in sexual abuse research within the context of the UK and Europe. Managing (the potential for) disclosures in research is a frequently noted issue of concern for researchers, particularly when researching in a field such as sexual abuse. This can include concerns about legal reporting responsibilities, breaching confidentiality and attending to the wellbeing of participants. This webinar created a space for participants to discuss such issues and consider the impact of disclosures in different contexts. Participants were invited to discuss anonymised case study examples, to share questions or concerns they have around potential disclosures in research and to learn from one another around this.
We know that children and young people with disabilities can be at increased risk of sexual abuse, and yet are often excluded from associated studies. Respondents to our Learning Together survey identified this as an issue they wished to learn more about, to support their research practices to become more inclusive. This webinar was facilitated by colleagues from Manchester Metropolitan University who bring a wealth of experience of involving children and young people with disabilities in research, both around sexual abuse and other issues.
Learning Together, Researcher Wellbeing [PDF]
Attending to researcher wellbeing is a critically important, but often overlooked, element of safe and ethical research practice. This webinar explored the ways in which our own wellbeing may be impacted when researching sexual abuse, and consider the ways in which this might be better supported.
Learning Together, Involving under 10s [PDF]
Our Learning Together survey found that few respondents had experience of engaging younger children (under 10s) in sexual abuse research, with many noting additional challenges around engaging this age group. In this webinar, we explored some of the particular considerations that apply to involving younger children in sexual abuse research – participant consent, parent/carer involvement or appropriate engagement techniques, for example. The facilitators shared some of their learning in relation to this, and we would also encourage those participating to share their experiences of, or questions around, engaging younger children in abuse-focused research. This webinar was supported by Dr Fiona Morrison from University of Edinburgh – a specialist in Domestic Abuse research with children.
Learning Together, A Trauma Informed Approach to Research [PDF]
Drawing on experiences of implementing a trauma-informed approach to sexual abuse research with children and young people over the last 15 years within the Safer Young Lives Research Centre, the webinar explored what we mean by a trauma-informed approach to research and how this can be practically implemented when seeking to involve children and young people in sexual abuse research. The webinar explored issues including:
- Principles of trauma-informed practice
- Managing potential for triggering and distress
- Facilitating meaningful choice and control
- Building trust and rapport
- Reciprocity, feedback and dissemination
- Attending to our own wellbeing as researchers
Webinar feedback quotes
"It was great, very helpful!" (Learning Together webinar participant)
"I really like the mix of providing information and then problem-based discussions. No recommendations for improvements" (Learning Together webinar participant)
"[I wish we had] slightly longer in the groups as there was so much great conversation" (Learning Together webinar participant)
"It was a fabulous session so informative and helpful I am really glad to have found this (on X) and to have been given a place thank you" (Learning Together webinar participant)
"Just keep having more please - this is so useful" (Learning Together webinar participant)
"It was totally awesome" (Learning Together webinar participant)
"The sessions have been fantastic! Thank you!" (Learning Together webinar participant)
Training Research Ethics Boards – Suffolk Event
As a result of the Learning Together Project we were invited to deliver training to members of a research ethics committee (Ethical Review Board) at a leading UK University which undertakes research on child sexual abuse.
Download a copy of our training materials [PDF]
What did participants tell us they learnt and valued from our Learning Together training?
"Risk - it shouldn't just be avoided, but should be limited, considered and contextualised"
"it was great to have information and scenarios, and for those scenarios to be real"
"Learn to think on your feet. Don't be put off by risk. Be well prepared."
"Thinking about possible scenarios, being creative - handling the unexpected - being brave to propose projects to the ethics committee"
"How best to support and work with vulnerable participants; how to design a study/ethics application in a trauma informed way; considering risks vs benefits and making sure to highlight those risks and how you plan to manage them in an ethics application and in research protocol/plans itself."
"Importance of considering risk. Getting it wrong is ok, as long as it is corrected."
"I think this is applicable to research generally, not just working in very sensitive areas. Hearing actually experiences of the researchers, what went well and what didn't. The authenticity of the speakers was great and enhanced the learning."
"Do not be risk adverse, prepare for the unexpected, look after your own wellbeing and the teams"
"1. specific tips and techniques to help me embody trauma-informed principles in my research (in the knowledge that research is dynamic and contextualised!) 2. the 'messiness' of conducting research and how we can be comfortable with/responsive to this 3. the idea of project-specific briefings/training - I will be implementing these going forwards"
"Openness in sharing ethical dilemmas and responses to them. The importance of collaboration in research teams to react and respond ethically The importance of participant choice and agency in all decisions"
address
Safer Young Lives Research Centre
Institute of Applied Social Research
University of Bedfordshire
University Square
Luton
Bedfordshire
UK
LU1 3JU