Feminist Research Into Violence & Abuse (FRIVA) network launch
In June, the University of Leeds launched the Feminist Research Into Violence & Abuse (FRIVA) network.
The event was supported by West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) and held in Wellington House in Leeds. The 50 attendees were evenly divided between local practitioners and academics from FRIVA.
The launch began with a welcome and introduction by Dr Sam Lewis, from the School of Law, who leads FRIVA. Sam reflected upon five decades of feminist activism in the UK, culminating in the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 and official recognition of violence against women and girls (VAWG) as a national emergency. Emphasising the continued need for feminist activism, she stressed that inclusive, intersectional efforts to address sexism, and promote evidence-led practice, benefit everyone.
The Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime for West Yorkshire, Alison Lowe OBE, spoke about the need for partnership working to achieve WYCA's aim of halving VAWG. Detective Chief Inspector Lee Berry, Director of the West Yorkshire Violence Reduction Partnership, and Head of the Women's Safety Unit, reiterated that addressing VAWG requires everyone to work together and that collaboration and understanding is key.
A series of 'lightning talks' by FRIVA members illustrated the breadth of expertise within the network. Dr Charlotte Barlow (School of Law), Dr Alison May (School of English), Sophie de Groot (School of Law), Dr Jacki Willson (School of Performance and Cultural Industries), Mary Cooper (School of Law) and Dr Francesca Pontin (School of Geography) spoke about their VAWG-related research and expertise.
FRIVA's Deputy Leads, Dr Rebecca Shaw and Dr Anna Barker from the School of Law, then led small group discussions. Delegates reported mixed feelings about working on VAWG at present. Although the work and broader landscape is challenging, they remain committed and eager to improve the lives of women, girls and marginalised others. Practitioners also discussed what forms of evidence are most useful and what key gaps in knowledge remain.
The event closed with a buffet lunch and networking, providing opportunities for discussions to continue and new connections to be made.
There was widespread support for the FRIVA network and excitement about how research, evidence, and data are used – and could be used more effectively – to promote feminist responses to violence and abuse, as reflected in feedback from practitioners.
For example:
I wanted to get in touch to thank you for such a good event on Friday. It was truly energising and inspiring, I particularly enjoyed the lightning talks. The enthusiasm and appetite on our table was fantastic and we had some great discussions.
For more information, please visit the FRIVA network website. Staff and doctoral students at the University of Leeds can join the FRIVA network by signing up here. Practitioners, policymakers and other interested parties can join our email distribution list here. Details of network members are listed in the Members Directory Please email general inquiries to FRIVA@leeds.ac.uk.
