Our research


​We conduct rigorous, survivor-informed research designed to strengthen systems and improve long-term wellbeing after violence and abuse. Our work moves beyond knowledge generation to impact policy, commissioning, and frontline practice.

We focus on areas where improved evidence can drive structural change. 

Our Impact Pathways

Defining Wellbeing After Coercive Control

Developing a survivor-informed framework for recovery that strengthens intervention design, evaluation and commissioning.

Systems Engagement & Mental Health

Examining the psychological impact of justice system processes to inform more trauma-informed responses.

Strengthening Intervention & Evaluation

Working with services to develop and evaluate therapeutic and psychosocial models that improve survivor wellbeing.

Participatory & Ethical Research Innovation

Embedding survivor leadership and trauma-informed practice across all stages of research and knowledge exchange.

Current Research


Wellbeing after coercive control 

This NIHR-funded study is developing a survivor-informed framework for understanding recovery and wellbeing after coercive control. Moving beyond crisis- and symptom-based models, the project seeks to define what meaningful wellbeing and recovery looks like for survivors. The framework will provide a foundation for improving intervention design, evaluation and commissioning decisions across domestic abuse services.

Mental health impacts of justice system engagement for survivors of domestic abuse 

This research examines the psychological consequences of engaging with the justice system for survivors of domestic abuse. While legal processes are intended to provide protection and accountability, they can also generate stress, retraumatisation and uncertainty. By identifying the mental health impacts of justice system involvement, the study aims to inform more trauma-informed, survivor-centred legal and statutory responses.​

Traumatic brain injury after domestic abuse
We are investigating survivor experiences and perceptions of traumatic brain injury after domestic abuse, alongside work to understand recognition within mental health services.

Our Approach



  • Survivor-informed design
  • Mixed-methods research
  • Evidence synthesis
  • Participatory governance
  • Cross-sector knowledge exchange