CRFR are very sad to announce the death of Dr Sarah Nelson on the 29^th March, a longstanding associate of CRFR at the universities of Edinburgh and Dundee, and an honorary fellow in Sociology at the University of Edinburgh and Social Work at the University of Dundee.

Over many decades, Sarah used her research to advocate for survivors of childhood sexual abuse, despite never having the luxury of a secure academic post. Her efforts were recently recognised in the award of an OBE. Over the years she has worked directly with several voluntary organisations and with Scottish Government. 

As a researcher associated with CRFR she conducted a project with Health in Mind on the mental health needs of female survivors of childhood sexual abuse and a project on the life histories of male survivors with Dr Ruth Lewis. Her work has always been concerned to listen to survivors with a view to improving their situation.  Her most recent book Tackling Child Sexual Abuse: Radical Approaches to Prevention, Protection and Support (Policy Press, Bristol, published 2016) provides a wide-ranging overview and summarises original research on the impact of childhood abuse on adult physical health. Her legacy will live on.