Our Voices University Network: a briefing on our PhD student forum

Abstract

The Our Voices University Network (OVUN) formed one half of ‘Our Voices III’, a project coordinated by the Safer Young Lives Research Centre at the University of Bedfordshire. The OVUN was established to facilitate links between academics around the world in order to develop and share knowledge about the prevention of and response to child sexual abuse and exploitation. It was recognised that those undertaking doctorate studies related to the area of child sexual abuse and exploitation hold a wealth of knowledge on this topic. One strand of the OVUN therefore focussed on creating a space where doctoral students could come together to share knowledge and understanding. This briefing shares learning from the PhD student forum sessions that were held over the course of the project. Here, we reflect on what forum members have shared about: • the tensions and challenges of doing doctoral research on child sexual abuse and exploitation (or related topics/other forms of harm) • what they have valued about the forum • what support needs they have which are not being met It is hoped that the learning captured in this briefing will be of use to other PhD researchers and supervisors who are undertaking or supporting work in this field.