The Sexual Violence Research Initiative has recently launched a new 12-part podcast series - candid conversations with grantees, researchers and its members about the work they are doing to free the world of violence against women and violence against children
Each episode of The Sexual Violence Research Podcast is co-hosted by SVRI Executive Director Elizabeth Dartnall and SVRI Grants Manager and Capacity Strengthening Specialist, Angelica Pino, and will focus on a different theme, from engaging men, to faith and spirituality, starting young to end GBV, and more.
“At The SVRI we are dedicated to promoting research on violence against women and violence against children and to generating empirical data that ensures these manifestations of violence are recognised as human rights violations and as a priority public health problem,” says Elizabeth Dartnall, Executive Director, SVRI. "We do this by building an experienced and committed network of researchers, policy makers, activists and donors to ensure that the many aspects of gender-based violence are addressed from the perspective of different disciplines and cultures. By providing new and different ways to engage with new knowledge emanating from our grantee partners we are working to ensure research is used to inform policy and practice. We embrace myriad ways to communicate this work and these voices and so to be able to offer a new platform for them to delve into the issues they are grappling with day in day out is extremely welcome, and so we are delighted to be able to share these treasured conversations with the world."
The first two episodes are now live and can be found on the major podcast platforms, Apple and Spotify, the first episode discusses the importance of engaging men in violence prevention interventions with guests Phiona Koyiet from World Vision and Laxman Belbase, global co-director of the MenEngage Alliance.
The second episode, Starting Young, released this week, and marks the launch of the 16 Days of Activism campaign to end gender based violence. The Starting Young episode discusses the importance of beginning violence prevention interventions at a young age. More than 50% of children have experienced some form of sexual, physical or emotional abuse or neglect in their lifetime. The wide-ranging and lifelong consequences of witnessing or experiencing violence in childhood can be profound. Children who are exposed to violence are more likely to become perpetrators or victims as adults. They may also suffer from a variety of lifelong issues, from mental health problems to obesity. That’s why it’s crucial to begin violence prevention interventions at a young age, and to get buy-in from parents.
In this episode the co-hosts talk about the research projects that are working to break the cycle of abuse and neglect by building positive and healthy family relationships. Hear from guests Dr Catherine Ward, clinical psychologist and research professor at the University of Cape Town, Gary Barker, CEO and founder of Promundo, and Professor Godfrey Siu from the Child Health and Development Centre at Makerere University.
Listen to The Sexual Violence Research Podcast here.