Jess Phillips sees Aston research on violence against women

Birmingham Yardley MP Jess Phillips has visited Aston University to find out about research that could help tackle violence against women and girls, from reality television to the dark web.

Ms Phillips, who was Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls from 2024 to 2026, met researchers at the university on 17 September.

Duty of care on reality TV

Professor Helen Wood presented her project ReCARETV, which looks at working practices and the duty of care owed to people who take part in reality television. Professor Wood appeared in the BBC Panorama documentary The Dark Side of Married at First Sight.

Abuse online

Dr Anitha Chinnaswamy introduced CyberDIVA, the Dark Web Investigation of Violence and Abuse. The project studies how technology is used to abuse women and girls across the open web, encrypted apps and the dark web. Its partners include the regional police force, the Regional Cyber Crime Unit, Forensic Pathway, BT and safeguarding organisations.

What she said

"Violence against women and girls is a national emergency, and tackling it requires a whole-society response," Ms Phillips said.

Professor Colin Grant, Aston's Vice-Chancellor, said the university's work "has real-world relevance, helping to inform policy and practice".

Why it matters

Technology-facilitated abuse, such as sharing intimate images without consent, stalking through apps and online harassment, is a growing part of the work of police and support services. Researchers say understanding how it happens is the first step to stopping it.

Getting help

Anyone affected by domestic abuse can call the free 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247. In an emergency, always call 999. If you cannot speak, press 55 when prompted on a mobile to let the operator know you need help.

Birmingham also has local services, including Birmingham and Solihull Women's Aid, which offers advice, refuge and support to women and children.