A systematic review that evaluates the extent and quality of involving childhood abuse survivors in shaping, conducting and disseminating research in the UK

Despite a well-established understanding of the mental and physical health consequences associated with exposure to childhood abuse, active voices survivors are rarely present in shaping, conducting disseminating research. To explore extent quality involvement adult abuse UK, we performed systematic review research conducted ‘with’ or ‘by’ survivors, analysed against new instrument, Survivor Research Involvement Ladder, which was co-produced drawing from principles Survivors Voices Charter. A search relevant grey peer-reviewed literature conducted, retrieved 662 sources after removing duplicates. Of these, 116 full-text articles on UK were subsequently assessed for (beyond participation as ‘subjects’), only 15 (12.9 per cent) reported activities led, co-produced, advised consulted by these included review. From evaluations analysis using ladder, consumerist models found be dominant form involvement, filling advisory roles at isolated stages. Survivor-led scarce but emerged when survivor-researchers planned, disseminated their work. This finds considerable opportunity improvements level, subsequent reporting involving survivors. The use instrument needs replication, validation further field-testing.