Launch of the All-Ireland Network on Sexual Violence Research
‘Connecting sexual violence researchers across the island of Ireland’
Queen's University Belfast (QUB) School of Law is delighted to announce the launch of the All-Ireland Network on Sexual Violence Research, an interdisciplinary network bringing together academics and postgraduate research students, practitioners and policy makers from across the island of Ireland, working in the area of sexual violence.
The Network received funding from the QUB Faculty Research Initiatives Fund and is a collaboration between Queen’s University Belfast and the University of Limerick, led by Dr Eithne Dowds and Dr Susan Leahy.
On Tuesday 9th January 2024, QUB School of Law hosted the Network launch event providing members with the opportunity to get to know one another, share their current research and discuss ideas for future Network activities/events.
The launch was opened with a speech from Jodie Kelly, Gillen Review Implementation Team And Registered Intermediaries (Northern Ireland Department of Justice), reflecting on the 2019 Gillen Review into Serious Sexual offences in Northern Ireland and updating members on the progress to date with respect to the recommendations contained in the 2019 report.
Dr Eithne Dowds and Dr Susan Leahy are excited to develop the Network and to create a space for interdisciplinary dialogue and debate amongst scholars, practitioners and policy makers working in this important area to develop new insights and understandings as we all work together to create safer and more responsive societies.
The Networks objectives are to:
- facilitate and support academics, students, policy makers and external agencies in researching and responding to sexual violence across the island of Ireland;
- provide a platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange in the following thematic areas: Prevalance of sexual violence; Education and awareness; Support services; Criminal justice responses; Alternative responses; Law reform;
- provide opportunities for members to meet regularly in-person and/or online and engage with external stakeholders from across the island of Ireland.
For more information on the Network and how to join please visit our website.
