Court Experience Study
A University of Oxford project is seeking survivors who testified in Leeds, Newcastle or Snaresbrook Crown Court to share their experiences of specialist support courts
Oxford study invites survivors to share experiences of Specialist Sexual Violence Support courts
A new research project led by the University of Oxford is inviting adult survivors of rape or sexual assault who have given evidence at Leeds, Newcastle or Snaresbrook Crown Court in the past 18 months to share their experiences of the Specialist Sexual Violence Support (SSVS) courts.
The study is being conducted by researchers at the Centre for Socio-Legal Studies, University of Oxford and aims to understand how these specialist courts are working in practice - directly from the perspective of survivors who have gone through the trial process.
Participants can contribute in several ways, including completing a short anonymous online survey or speaking directly with researchers in an interview (online or in person). Interviews last around 45–60 minutes, and participants will receive a gift voucher, with travel or childcare expenses reimbursed for in-person meetings.
The research will explore survivors’ experiences of the courts, including:
court facilities and environment
how court staff interacted with survivors
feelings of safety and support while giving evidence
access to special measures and other support
support from ISVAs and other advocates
witness preparation, court visits, and legal information
Findings will be used to:
produce a report on specialist courts and trauma-informed approaches in sexual offence cases
create a briefing for survivors
help inform government, courts, lawyers and police about survivors’ experiences of court practice.
All information shared will be anonymised and stored securely, and participants can withdraw from the study at any point before the end of April 2026.
The study runs until May 2026 and hopes to speak with up to 30 survivors whose cases were heard at these courts.
How to take part
Complete the anonymous online survey, or
Contact the research team to arrange a confidential interview
Email:
• natalie.kyneswood@csls.ox.ac.uk (Leeds or Newcastle)
• alma.ionescu@csls.ox.ac.uk (Snaresbrook)
Further support is available via Rape Crisis England & Wales (24/7 helpline: 0808 500 2222).
WHY THIS MATTERS
Research like this helps ensure survivors’ experiences are not just documented, but used to shape how the justice system evolves. Listening to those who have navigated the courts is essential if specialist courts are to truly deliver trauma-informed justice.
