We have done it. 1,113 survivor voices.
We set an ambitious target of 1,000 responses so our findings could not be dismissed. You surpassed it. Every single person who shared their truth, promoted the survey, or passed the link to someone they trusted made this possible. The work now begins in earnest.
Staying involved
Over 600 participants - 60% - have asked to continue with the project.
Co-authors and analysts
Over 10% will be analysing data, contributing to, and co-authoring the reports.
Reports every month
Six new reports per month over the next six months, with weekly insights releases.
Ursula Lindenberg gives evidence on the Domestic Abuse Act 2021
From SafeLives:-Our brilliant SafeLives Pioneer and lived experience advocate, Ursula Lindenberg, gave evidence to the House of Lords Select Committee on the Domestic Abuse Act 2021. SafeLives shared the session across their social media channels.
Speaking on behalf of SafeLives and representing victim-survivors, Ursula joined Dr Charlotte Proudman and Elspeth Thompson from Resolution to make a clear call for stronger protections in the family courts - protections that keep both adult and child victims safer and stop the system from causing further harm.
Ursula spoke powerfully about what victims face when navigating the family courts as both a parent and a survivor of domestic abuse. She highlighted the complexity of the system, the loss of control many experience, and the lasting trauma it can cause.
She also drew urgent attention to child victims of domestic abuse. Although children are recognised as victims in law under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, too many are still unheard and unseen, with their safety and wellbeing not placed at the centre of decisions made about them.
of Our Own Words participants said their experience of the family courts was more traumatic than the abuse itself. Ursula shared this finding directly with the Select Committee.
Survivors hold the insight needed to transform the family court system. Their expertise must not sit at the margins of reform. It must shape it.
"We have to believe the children."
When asked what needs to change in practice around children as victims, Ursula's answer was clear and unambiguous. Four words. The committee heard them.
What happens next
Reports and analysis
Six reports per month for six months. Weekly insights. All findings released publicly at www.ourownwords.net.
Survivors speaking at your events
Survivors are available to present and speak at your events. Contact us to discuss.
Co-delivering training
Survivors will be co-delivering training. Lived experience at the centre of professional learning.
Take the survey
Still open. Every response adds to the dataset.
Get involved
Co-author, analyse, speak, or train with us.
20th March 2026 - A week that moved the dial for survivors
In seven days, Our Own Words 2026 reached the offices of government ministers, Select Committees, and national commissioners. Male survivor voices now make up 8.8% of our dataset -- larger than most domestic abuse research has ever captured. The survey is still open until 31 March 2026.
Survivor voices in our dataset -- and still growing
Male survivors -- historically underrepresented in DA research
National organisations amplifying findings this week
Richard Spencer almost doubles male survivor representation in the survey
Thanks to Richard Spencer's promotion of Our Own Words, the proportion of male respondents has risen to 8.8% of the dataset. This is a larger share than most domestic abuse research ever captures. Every male survivor voice in this survey challenges the assumption that domestic abuse is not a male experience. These findings matter -- and they will be heard.
Samantha Billingham presents findings to the Safeguarding Minister
Our co-founder Samantha Billingham shared the Our Own Words survey directly with Jess Phillips, the Safeguarding Minister. Survivor-led research was put on the desk of government. This is not a briefing note. It is 797 survivor voices speaking to the people who make policy.
Interim data presented to a Select Committee
Our partner Ursula Lindenberg shared interim findings from Our Own Words at a Select Committee. Survivor-led evidence is now part of the parliamentary record.
Domestic Abuse Commissioner's Office to share our website in their newsletter
The Domestic Abuse Commissioner's Office will feature Our Own Words in their newsletter. This extends our reach to thousands of practitioners, commissioners, and policymakers across England and Wales.
What the male survivors told us: key findings
Our interim report on male respondents captures the largest proportion of male survivors in a UK domestic abuse survey of this kind. Here is what they told us.
- Fear of not being believed was the most common barrier to seeking help.
- Male survivors were significantly less likely to know where to get support than female respondents.
- Where specialist services were accessed, outcomes were markedly better than with statutory services.
- Children were a central concern -- many male survivors reported abuse used through child contact and family courts.
- More than 1 in 3 male respondents are experiencing ongoing abuse after separation.
- Sexual abuse was reported by nearly 1 in 4 male respondents (23%).
Early Findings
n = 629
