Safety and well-being for frontline practitioners

The importance of further research to address the issues researchers and practitioners face everyday and provide an evidence base for the inspiring practices we all conduct cannot be overstated. Researchers and practitioners constantly engage with sensitive subjects and materials, where ethical dilemmas and safety concerns are paramount. Understanding how identity factors—such as gender, race, and religion—affect researcher safety, and how to navigate these factors responsibly, is essential for fostering inclusive and secure research environments. Moreover, meaningful engagement with victims/survivors of violence and terrorism requires nuanced approaches to avoid re-traumatization and exploitation, while promoting their empowerment and inclusion in eradicating hate based violence.

Furthermore, the ethical inclusion and care of former extremists in research processes are critical for rehabilitation and societal reintegration, necessitating robust frameworks that balance transparency with privacy concerns. Equally important is advocating for legal protections and navigating the complexities of compensation and trauma management in safeguarding researchers' and practitioners’ rights and wellbeing.

We aim to advance knowledge, inform policy, and enhance practices that contribute to a safer, more inclusive society. We highlight these research gaps with the hope that new frontiers in research and practice can, ensure ethical standards and practical solutions that benefit researchers, practitioners and the communities they serve.

Research Objectives

1. Influence of Identity Factors on Researcher and Practitioner Safety

Research Question: How do identity factors such as gender, race, and religion influence the safety and security of researchers and practitioners in different geographic and socio-political contexts?
Existing Research: Challenging the Gatekeepers: the Experiences of Women of Colour Researchers in the Terrorism Studies Field – GNET

2. Intersectional Identities and Risk in Research and Practice

Research Question: To what extent do intersectional identities affect the level of risk and support needed for researchers and practitioners engaging with extremist or radicalized groups?

3. Tailoring Safety Protocols for Diverse Identities in Research and Practice

Research Question: How can organizations tailor safety protocols and support mechanisms to accommodate diverse identities among researchers and practitioners?

4. Ethical Engagement with Victims/Survivors of Hate Crimes in Research and Practice

Research Question: What ethical guidelines and methodologies can researchers adopt to effectively engage with victims/survivors of hate crimes or violence in OSINT investigations, ensuring their experiences are respected and not re-traumatized?

5. Balancing Information Accuracy and Victim/Survivor Wellbeing in Research and Practice

Research Question: How can researchers and practitioners balance the imperative to gather accurate information with the need to protect the emotional wellbeing and privacy of victims/survivors?

6. Long-term Support Strategies for Victims/Survivors in research and practice

Research Question: What are effective strategies for maintaining ongoing support and ethical engagement with victims/survivors after their initial involvement in research and practice?

7. Inclusive Practices for Victims/Survivors in P/CVE Initiatives

Research Question: How can P/CVE initiatives meaningfully include victims/survivors of terrorism in decision-making processes and program design to ensure their voices are heard and needs addressed?
Existing Research: Inspiring Practices for the Meaningful Inclusion of Victims/Survivors of Terrorism in P/CVE Work

8. Collaborative Models with Victims/Survivors in P/CVE Efforts

Research Question: What are effective models of collaboration between researchers and practitioners and victims/survivors of terrorism that promote empowerment and agency without exploitation?

9. Cultural Influences on Inclusion Efforts in Global P/CVE Settings

Research Question: How do cultural and contextual factors influence the reception and effectiveness of inclusion efforts for victims/survivors of terrorism in diverse global settings?

10. Ethical Frameworks for Engaging with Former Extremists in research and practice

Research Question: What are ethical frameworks for engaging with former extremists in research and practice, ensuring their rehabilitation and reintegration while safeguarding against potential risks?

11. Collaboration with Mental Health Professionals in research and practice

Research Question: How can researchers and practitioners collaborate with mental health professionals to support the wellbeing and ethical inclusion of former extremists in research processes?

12. Privacy Protection for Former Extremists in research and practice

Research Question: What are effective strategies for protecting the privacy and safety of former extremists who contribute to research and practice, balancing transparency with security concerns?

13. Advocacy and Legal Protections for researchers and practitioners

Research Question: How can researchers and practitioners navigate legal frameworks to advocate for their rights, including compensation for traumatic work and protections against legal repercussions?

Research Question: What are effective strategies for negotiating consent and confidentiality agreements with research subjects in investigations involving sensitive or legally ambiguous information?

15. Supporting Researchers in Legal Challenges in research and practice

Research Question: How can organizations support researchers in navigating legal challenges related to conducting research and practice, including defamation risks and privacy concerns?