Introduction to the study exploring peer support initiatives for young people who have experienced sexual violence: research findings: briefing paper one

The key questions explored in this study into ‘peer support’3 were: What do peer support initiatives for young people (aged 10-24) who have experienced sexual violence look like and involve? How are peer support initiatives experienced and received by the young people and professionals involved? What is the value of peer support initiatives for those involved? What are the challenges and barriers linked to these forms of support? A number of activities were undertaken as part of this study. This included: Undertaking a literature review to identify relevant evidence and key themes to explore further in the study. Circulating a ‘call for evidence’ for information about, and materials related to, peer support initiatives for young people who had experienced sexual violence. Developing an online survey to enable individuals to share their experiences of peer support initiatives. Undertaking interviews with key informants. The call for evidence and survey resulted in limited responses and therefore the research team, through contacts and online searches, identified and proactively contacted 18 organisations and initiatives providing peer support for young people affected by sexual violence. Representatives from 12 of these organisations and initiatives responded and agreed to take part in the study. Following this, semi-structured individual or group interviews were undertaken online or face-to-face with a total of 25 key informants from these 12 organisations and initiatives.