Sexual Violence and Health Research Day: Healthcare, Healing and Hope

Event details

The Sexual Violence and Health Research Network (SVaHRN) is hosting its annual research event, focusing on health, healthcare, healing and hope.

This year’s event, co-hosted by Coventry University’s Research Centre for Healthcare and Communities and University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust’s (UHCW) Institute for Health Equity and Social Care, will unite survivors, researchers, healthcare professionals and advocates to share knowledge, explore best practices, and promote survivor-led research.

Since 2017, SVaHRN has worked to raise awareness of the health impacts of sexual violence—including mental, physical and sexual health—while challenging inequalities in research and care. The network is dedicated to improving responses to sexual violence across health, social care, and third-sector services, fostering collaboration, and supporting research that contributes to prevention and better survivor support.

Supported by UHCW and a Research England grant, this event supports inclusive research culture and survivor-centred approaches. Attendees will have opportunities to engage in discussions, share expertise, and help shape the future of sexual violence research and care.

The event is free and open to all interested in improving care and support for survivors. Registration closes on 23rd May 2025 (subject to availability). A limited number of travel bursaries are available on a first-come, first-served basis for those facing financial barriers.

We encourage the submission of survivor-led and survivor-informed research and practice and work that brings focus to different sub-groups of survivors. Our team is committed to facilitating an event that feels collaborative, safe and engaging. Well-being support will be available. If you have any requests or concerns about accessibility or your participation, please let us know at svahrn2025@coventry.ac.uk.

Call for Abstracts

Researchers and practitioners are invited to submit abstracts for oral or poster presentations on topics such as:

• Healing in the context of sexual violence
• Survivors’ experiences navigating healthcare
• The health impacts of sexual violence
• Innovative methods for survivor-led research
• Collaborative models of care and survivor engagement

Deadline for abstract submissions: 7th April 2025

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