This month, we convened the final meeting of the Lived Experience Advisory Panel (LEAP) for our joint research project with the University of Nottingham Rights Lab and the International Justice Mission (IJM) examining community members’ reliance on public justice systems for protection from the Online Sexual Exploitation of Children (OSEC) in the Philippines. The conclusion of the LEAP’s engagement marks a significant milestone in the project and reflects the successful integration of lived experience expertise throughout the research process.
Throughout the study, the LEAP has served as a vital component of the study team. LEAP members contributed to the refinement of research questions and data collection tools, reviewed and provided feedback on emerging findings, identified areas requiring further exploration and contextualization, and supported the co-creation of targeted recommendations to justice system actors for strengthening justice system responses to OSEC. Their perspectives strengthened the validity and relevance of the research by ensuring that analysis of interactions with public justice institutions remained grounded in the experiences of those directly affected by OSEC.
At Eleison, we believe that collaboration with people with lived experience is central to producing evidence that is both impactful and ethically grounded, ensuring that research and recommendations remain responsive to the realities of those most affected. By centering the knowledge and perspectives of those with direct experience, research can better capture the experiences of affected populations, identify gaps that may otherwise be overlooked, challenge assumptions, and develop more relevant and actionable recommendations. We extend our sincere gratitude to LEAP members for their sustained engagement, thoughtful contributions, and willingness to share their expertise throughout the project. Their input has been instrumental in strengthening the quality and practical relevance of this research.
