Survivors, Social Media and Justice
A University of Glasgow research project inviting survivors to explore how online spaces shape conversations about justice after sexual violence
A new PhD research project from the University of Glasgow is inviting victim-survivors of sexual violence in the UK to take part in a study exploring how online spaces are used to express experiences, build community, and make sense of justice.
The project, led by researcher Ursula Shepherd and funded by the Scottish Graduate School of Social Science, focuses on how survivors share their experiences publicly online and how those spaces can influence feelings of recognition, validation, and justice.
Who can take part
Participants must:
Be 18+ and based in the UK
Have experienced sexual violence
Have shared something publicly online about that experience (for example, on social media, blogs, forums or other online spaces)
What participation involves
The research will involve:
Zine-making workshops exploring social media use and feelings about justice after sexual violence
Optional interviews discussing these themes further
Workshops and interviews can take place online or in person, depending on participants' locations.
What is a zine?
Zines are small, DIY magazines that combine writing, collage, artwork and storytelling. They have a long history in feminist movements as spaces for people to share experiences, ideas and resistance outside traditional institutions.
No previous experience with zine-making is needed.
Why this research matters
Online spaces have become an important place where survivors speak, connect and challenge systems that often fail them. Projects like this help document those experiences and better understand how digital communities can shape conversations about justice.
If you are interested in taking part, you can register your interest through the link provided in the project information.
More information about the research and the researcher can be found here:
https://www.sccjr.ac.uk/person/ursula-shepherd/
MYH note
At Make Yourself Heard, we know that many survivors first find their voice online — through posts, writing, artwork, or conversations that reach beyond traditional spaces.
Research like this helps ensure those experiences are recognised, documented, and understood.
If this feels relevant to you, you may wish to consider taking part.
