This week we were joined by psychotherapist and activist Leyla Hussein. In the session we explored how reporters and researchers can make survivors of sexual violence feel safe, supported and heard, and at the same time ensure they make an impact with their work.

TW: The talk contains extensive discussion of sexual violence particularly FGM.

This talk was hosted by Charlotte Maher on Thursday the 14th of August 2025. Music featured is courtesy of Artlist.

Recorded live in the Bellingcat Discord Server: https://discord.com/invite/bellingcat

Links discussed:

You can learn more about leyla's work here https://www.leylahussein.co.uk/

The Cruel Cut Channel 4 Documentary: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiC_gpE7y053Qlgb9fU0ykM-BggXpfkmj

One month old FGM case: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c6200g5d4jlo

The Girl Generation: https://thegirlgeneration.org/

Eliza's talk: https://rss.com/podcasts/bellingcatstagetalk/2041897/#about

Alexa's talk: https://rss.com/podcasts/bellingcatstagetalk/1908244/

Our Discord Server channels that were mentioned:

#gender-based-violence-misogny : https://discord.com/channels/709752884257882135/1118448280435687506

#bellingcook : https://discord.com/channels/709752884257882135/1018196475932590090

“Speaking of Violence” with Leyla Hussein