Join us at the start. Help build what comes next.
Our Own Words 2026 is building a survivor-led network rooted in lived experience, shared learning and real survivor leadership. Founding Network Partners will help shape the next stage.
Become a Founding Network PartnerWhat is Our Own Words 2026?
Our Own Words 2026 is the UK's largest survivor-led domestic abuse research initiative.
1,113 survivors responded to our survey. Thirty-eight subject area reports are being produced, each co-authored by survivors.
The project is led by MyCWA, Domestic Abuse Experts, SODA and Stronger Beginnings.
Our principle is clear. Where lived experience and professional opinion conflict, lived experience leads.
What is a Founding Network Partner?
A Founding Network Partner is a survivor-led group or organisation with a clear survivor-centred purpose that joins us at the beginning.
This is not a full membership structure yet. It is the start of one.
Founding partners will be listed as early contributors when the wider network launches.
There is no fee. There is no minimum commitment. There is a shared commitment to survivor leadership.
What we offer
- Named as a Founding Network Partner on our website and in publications
- Early access to findings before public release
- Access to our governance document templates, including 18 practical documents
- Invitation to contribute to future survey rounds and sub-reports
- Inclusion in our survivor group directory when it launches
What we ask
- Commitment to OOW2026 values and ethical framework
- Complete a short founding partner profile
- Sign and return the Partner Agreement
- Share findings through your networks when reports are released
- Tell us when something is not working
Who this is for
- Survivor-led groups and survivor forums
- Peer support networks run by or for survivors
- Survivor advisory bodies within statutory or voluntary services
- Community groups where domestic abuse survivors are the primary membership
You do not need to be a registered charity. You do not need a large budget. You do need to be meaningfully survivor-led in your purpose, voice and decision-making.
Timeline
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| April to June 2026 | Founding partner registration opens |
| May 2026 | First reports released and founding partners notified in advance |
| Late 2026 | Peer network and member hub access for partner organisations |
| 2027 | Full network membership structure launches |
Other Surveys
We know Our Own Words is not the only place survivors are gathering evidence, insight and testimony. We want to help make that work more visible.
You can view other survivor-related surveys already shared with us, or submit your own for inclusion.
Become a Founding Network Partner
Complete the short sign-up form to register your interest.
Questions? Email saskia@ourownwords.net or samantha@ourownwords.net