Survey on experiences of sexual misconduct from powerful professionals

This study is conducted by the Powerful Perpetrators research group at the University of Bristol. It explores the nature and prevalence of sexual misconduct and abuse perpetrated by UK professionals against adults. It also looks at the professional regulatory and employer disciplinary mechanisms used to investigate and sanction their behaviour, with a view to improving how these cases are understood and handled. The purpose of this anonymous online survey is to hear from individuals who have experienced or witnessed sexual misconduct or abuse perpetrated by any of the following professional groups: police, military, barristers and judges, politicians, doctors and psychiatrists, religious leaders. This is critical to understanding whether and how regulatory and disciplinary processes work in practice, rather than on paper.

For this survey, they would like to hear from anyone who has:

• experienced, or
• witnessed*

sexual misconduct and abuse by members of any of the professional groups listed in the summary.

*’Witnessing’ can include someone disclosing to you their experience, or seeing the impact of that experience on someone, even if you did not witness the misconduct or abuse yourself.

Expected commitment: They estimate this online survey may take 20-30 minutes to complete. However, it may take longer, depending on your experiences and how much you wish to write.

Closing date: 30th June 2025

Getting in touch: please contact Natasha Mulvihill, project lead: natasha.mulvihill@bristol.ac.uk

Additional links: 

Project home page: Powerful Perpetrators – ERC/UKRI project led by Dr Natasha Mulvihill, University of Bristol, UK.

Get involved page: Get Involved – Powerful Perpetrators

Survey: Sexual misconduct and abuse by professionals

Completing this survey and recalling experiences may be upsetting, whether you experienced something directly or as a witness. Sometimes, particular questions may resonate emotionally in a way that you had not expected. It may be helpful to find a quiet space to complete the survey and/or to take breaks.

• There is a function to save, take a break, and return to the survey, if needed.
• If you decide at any time that you do not want to continue completing the survey, you can shut down the browser without saving.
• They encourage you to refer to the support services provided, if that would be helpful.