Moving towards equitable relationships: Considerations for researchers when working with service providers to engage young people in participatory projects addressing sexual violence against children

This paper is aimed at researchers who are wishing to develop participatory projects involving children and young people who have experienced sexual violence. It is also of relevance to service providers who are working with researchers on such projects. 

The paper is based on a series of online discussions, facilitated by researchers from the Safer Young Lives Research Centre at the University of Bedfordshire, with a group of experienced researchers and practitioners.

The online discussions explored what equitable relationships between service providers and researchers should look like, in the context of participatory projects that involve children and young people who have experienced sexual violence.

Conversations considered: how power differentials impact this work; areas where it would be helpful for researchers and service providers to have deeper discussions; and what could change for achieving more equitable relationships.

Key themes from the discussions (and subsequent input from participants) are presented for others to consider when undertaking projects of this nature.