We spoke to Jahnine Davis, co-founder of Listen Up, about her work into exploring the lack of representation of Black girls’ experiences in research and child sexual abuse services, including suggestions to help improve practice.

Ineke Houtenbos, a senior consultant with the NSPCC, and Jahnine discuss:

why the experiences of Black girls are missing from research and the impact on policy and practice
key findings from Jahnine’s research, including the experiences of participants
learning to improve practice and research
Jahnine’s experience as a Black woman embarking on this work.

This episode contains quotes from research participants about their experiences which might be upsetting and cause distress. If you need further support, please contact the NSPCC helpline or visit the Childline website.

Read the podcast transcript on the NSPCC Learning website.

💬 About the speakers

Jahnine Davis, a PhD researcher, has over 20 years’ experience in the charity sector and is recognised nationally as a leader in the field of intersectionality, adultification and safeguarding Black children and young people.

Ineke Houtenbos is an experienced child protection professional with over 21 years’ experience and has provided training and consultancy on anti-racism awareness and anti-racist practice. She is a Senior Training and Development Consultant for the NSPCC in Northern Ireland.

📚 Related resources

> Learn more about Listen Up

> Read more about preventing child sexual abuse

> Browse our research reports and briefings

Intro/outro music is Lights by Sappheiros

42: Black girls’ experiences of sexual abuse