Collecting monitoring or evaluation data, as well as the programming itself, can introduce a risk of harm for participants and staff. For example, if confidentiality is not maintained, women who disclose violence may be at risk of ‘backlash’ violence from perpetrators. Women who have experienced violence may feel distress or be retraumatised when being questioned about violence. Conducting research with children or with vulnerable adults (such as women living with disabilities) also introduces additional risks and requires specific plans and protocols.
Remote evaluations of VAWG interventions: a rapid scoping review of tools, ethics and safety
This scoping review examines remote evaluations of VAWG interventions to describe the landscape of RDC methods, reflect on safety and ethical considerations, and offer best practices for RDC in VAWG research.
Feminist Research on VAW in Humanitarian and Development Settings: Executive Summary
For further information, read the Full Report.
Towards Ethical International Research Partnerships in GBV Research
Insights from research partners in Kenya.
Ethical reporting of research on violence against women and children
A review of current practice and recommendations for future guidelines.
Researching VAW: A Practical Guide for Researchers and Activists
Chapter 2 of this comprehensive guide includes ethical and safety guidance.
Ethical and Safety Recommendations for Research on Perpetration of Sexual Violence
Contains specific ethical protocols when collecting data from perpetrators of sexual violence.
Ethical Considerations for Collection, Analysis, and Publication of Child Maltreatment Data
Contains guidance on ethical considerations when collecting data from children, including informed consent and assent, confidentiality, protection from harm, and handling distress or disclosures of violence.