The SVRI is the world’s largest network on research on violence against women and violence against children, providing a space where global role players in the field connect with one another, share and promote their research, work to influence policies and improve the lives of those who have experienced gender-based violence. We do this through funding research, strengthening research capacity, promoting partnerships and influencing change. The biennial SVRI Forum enables networking and collaboration to take place, being the face of SVRI, and in the eyes of many, irreplaceable. SVRI Strategic Plan 2020 – 2024.

What Guides our Work?

The work of the SVRI is guided by the SVRI Leadership Council, a group of experts from different disciplines, networks of organisations on VAW and VAC, and global regions.  In addition to this expert guidance, the work of the SVRI is framed by the Sexual Violence Research Agenda.  The Sexual Violence Research Agenda identifies focus areas for research, within which 6 broad priority areas are outlined. These are:

Priority Area 1: Nature, Prevalence, Social Context and Risk Factors Associated with Sexual Violence
Priority Area 2: Sexual Violence Prevention
Priority Area 3: Appropriateness and Effectiveness of Sexual Violence Services
Priority Area 4: Childhood Sexual Abuse
Priority Area 5: Sexual Violence in Conflict and Emergency Settings
Priority Area 6: HIV and Sexual Violence

Principles for SVRI Projects

All projects implemented or supported by the SVRI should:

• Adhere to international safety and ethical guidelines
• Focus on low and middle income-settings
• Be conceptualized within a human rights framework
• Strive to be cross-sectoral and multi-disciplinary;
• Where relevant and appropriate endeavour to engage the community that is being researched;
• Challenge the gender hierarchy that contributes to sexual violence in order to promote gender equality.
• Inform policy, programs and services and serve to strengthen access to comprehensive care and support for survivors

History

In 2003, recognising the need for more research on sexual violence, especially in resource poor settings, the Global Forum for Health Research established the Sexual Violence Research Initiative (SVRI). The SVRI was initially hosted by the World Health Organization (WHO) before moving to the South African Medical Research Council in 2006. SVRI Melbourne Report 2000. 

In 2013, the SVRI expanded its scope to include violence against women and violence against children and other forms of violence driven by gender inequality.

The SVRI became an independent organisation in 2019. It is incorporated as a non-profit organisation under South African law (SVRI NPC 2019/197466/08) having spun out of the SAMRC. The decision to move was taken after extensive consultation with our core donors, advisors, members and partner organisations.

SVRI is governed by a board (as required by law), empowered by a Memorandum of Incorporation by the SVRI to determine our strategic direction, manage risk and ensure sustainability. Our work is also guided by a Leadership Council who provide strategic guidance and who act as ambassadors for the SVRI internationally.

Contact Us