Essex research presented to MPs in Parliament

Experts from the Department of Government have presented their research on non-sexual violence against woman to MPs as part of Evidence Week in Parliament.

Researchers Dr Sara Polo, Professor Ismene Gizelis, and Dr Brian Phillips made policy recommendations and highlighted the need to review current policies in light of the latest available evidence which is needed for the women, peace and security national action plan.

Evidence Week is a unique annual meeting that brings together the public, parliamentarians and researchers from across the UK to discuss how evidence is used and reviewed in Parliament.

Dr Polo, Professor Gizelis, and Dr Phillips presented their findings to Caroline Nokes MP, Tracey Gilbert MP, Wendy Chamberlain MP, Baroness Browning, Baroness Hodgson of Abinger and Sir Julian Lewis MP equipping them with vital information to inform the decisions they make on future policies for highlighting non-sexual violence against women and girls as a critical issue to address in policy.

Dr Polo said: "It was great to share our research findings on the prevalence and impact on non-sexual violence against women and girls in conflict with MPs and Peers.

We look forward to following up with them because, beyond raising awareness, we hope to bring about serious change in policies on violence against women.

"From Gaza and Ukraine to Afghanistan, Syria and Yemen, women are experiencing conflict not only though sexual violence but also through attacks on the spaces, services and communities upon which their safety, health and livelihood depend.

"These include attacks on girls’ schools, maternity and reproductive healthcare facilities, residential neighbourhoods, and other forms of collective violence that disproportionately harm women and girls.

"We hope these forms of gendered violence can be explicitly recognized and addressed in the forthcoming UK Women, Peace and Security National Action Plan.

"It was an intense day full of valuable conversations. We learned a lot, and we have new ideas for how to turn our research into meaningful change."

Evidence Week, now in its ninth year, is run by the campaigning charity Sense about Science, in partnership with communities and research institutions from across the UK.

During the week, MPs meet with leading scientists to get the latest insights on pressing issues covering topics as varied as clean energy to AI sovereignty.

It is an opportunity for the public, parliamentarians, and researchers to come together to share knowledge and insights.

It also empowers legislators to engage with evidence and equips them with the critical tools to handle uncertainty, identify bias and scrutinise underlying assumptions.

Tracey Brown, Chief Executive of Sense about Science, said: "Between elections, Parliament is responsible for the checks and balances on government policy, for making sure that policy matches the real world and that it is based on sound evidence.

Evidence Week offers politicians the chance to engage with leading research groups to discuss their latest findings and tools in rapid-fire briefings that fit between parliamentary business.