Community-based research is an approach to research that places community at the forefront and aims to achieve social justice through social action and change. At WomanACT, we are always learning about how to better engage survivors in all aspects of research, including design, implementation and knowledge mobilization. We strive to ensure that our research is trauma-informed, survivor-centered and addresses power imbalances that are common in research relationships.
This guide was developed to support researchers in engaging survivors both ethically and positively. This guide also considers the challenges of conducting research during a pandemic and how researchers can work effectively to collaborate with survivors in a changing environment.