Claire Soares

I am a social researcher with research interests in child protection, safeguarding, and support in relation to sexual abuse/exploitation. I am particularly interested in the criminal justice system in relation to children and young people affected by harm, as well as the role and application of arts-based research methods in research with children and young people.  

Prior to joining the Centre in 2019, I spent three years working as a member of the research team at the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA). Within this role I was involved in a number of projects related to child sexual abuse – and in particular that which takes place in institutional contexts. Projects included: a qualitative study which explored perceptions of safety and safeguarding in relation to child sexual abuse in the youth secure estate, from the perspectives of both children and staff; thematic analyses of data from the Inquiry’s Truth Project to illuminate experiences of and responses to child sexual abuse in institutional contexts; and various rapid evidence assessments.

Before working in this field, I spent several years working on qualitative research projects across a range of topics for public, private and third sector clients including: NHS Direct; Cancer Research UK; Save the Children; Department of Health; The Royal National Institute of Blind People; John Lewis; Britvic and Beiersdorf.

At the Centre, I am currently working on various projects including the ‘What it means to me’ project which is exploring how child-centred practice and listening to the voice of young people affected by exploitation and extra-familial harm, happens in practice and what difference it makes. I am also working towards a Professional Doctorate in Children and Young People's Services. My research is exploring pre-trial therapy and young people's experiences of support when involved in the criminal justice system as victims of sexual abuse.